I think we're on the same page. So just chewing the fat here. My problem is our culture has gone from respecting hard science to the religion of technology can fix anything, if you try enough times. Musk is the worst offender. But he's also good at inspiring people, so my views are nuanced.

As you probably know, jet airliners were faster 50+ years ago than they are today. Certainly Boeing, etc. tries as hard as possible to make them faster. Or fly faster than sound. There is NO REASON why they can't. At some point we just have to recognize the physical reality that it probably can't be done.

That isn't to say someone might discover a trick. But in a practical sense at some point we have to put our efforts elsewhere.

For Musk to promise the Moon and Mars in a few years ignores what rocketry has learned about the practical physical constraints in the past 70+ years.

Today's launch of the Vulcan show the other direction. 2 Engines and almost no-risk solid fuel rocket motors.

Is UAL just stupid? Why not just do that 10x the size? The answer is experience.

Starship doesn't need one trick. It needs many tricks. Reminds me of the Spruce Goose.

All I see are MANY failures with each launch. Again, I hope to eat my hat ;)