re: I've seen this remorseless RUSH in Mars exploration...
Yes to all, Nick.
I have to add that slow and steady is good along with the sending of many on diverse locations (ala, Pioneers and Voyager missions of which much data was acquired and some are STILL in operation.). Stopping for DECADES isn't good either because, yes, Mars will be there, Enceladus will be there, Europa will be there, but we will not. What a legacy and track of achievements. At least we'll have Apollo.