re: Great Post, But Disagree on 1 Point
Use bots controlled from say Deimos to set up the initial base, powerplant and such. Then let folks ride around in dune buggys looking for all kinds of serendipitous stuff.
But there are many creative approaches such that I don't care HOW it gets done, just that it gets done AND in a way that is not 'flags & footprints' but is congruent with staying.
Imagine the reality TV possibilities with a group of vacuous, self-absorbed 20 somethings living in a dome together. Wait, upon consideration maybe I'm against sending people after all...