I figured it was Europe trying to one up the USA
By showing that they will not only send a probe to Mercury
too, but that it will be even more sophisticated and send
home even more science.
I haven't seen much of anything regarding the "man on the
street's" impression of the MESSENGER flyby, or that it is even
getting much play in the regular news what with the running
for President, UFOs over Texas, and Britney Spears being a
lousy parent and messed up wundergirl again.
I get the sad feeling if there is any public notice of the
mission, they'll see a ball full of craters and think we just
sent a probe to the Moon and so what?