re: That was then...
Yes but Mars is a boring animal in a deep gravity well, and Ceres is a largely unknown animal in a very shallow gravity well, and has much more water than Mars compared to its mass. MSL is grossly overbudget and being systematically stripped of functionality. People are bored with Mars. We need new planets.
Fortunately, we're going to get them, starting in 2015. We get a prelude in 2011.
Prepare to be amazed, and be sure to get your crackpot theories together early.