What's the advantage?

I realize that this allows the rocket to be re-used, but it also has to be designed to be used multiple times. I would imagine that the design characteristics of a system that can be used many times would be much more demanding than those of one which only need work right once. And I suppose the recovered vehicle would still require an intense and expensive overhaul and refit before it could fly again. Isn't this what killed the shuttle?

Also, how much does the ability to use rocket power to slow down require additional hardware, and lots of extra fuel that must be carried aloft? I imagine other means are needed to help slow it down--parachutes, atmospheric braking, etc.

I agree a re-usable vehicle has cost advantages, but where do you draw the line? There's much to be said for "disposable", especially if it means a whole lot "simpler".