I think that we need to remember that the price tags for these types of missions have resulted in our hobby having the best equipment ever and at an affordable price. Just take CCD cameras as an example, the need for NASA to have the best views has seen the development of some pretty neat optics and CCD chips, which has been passed down to us.
But I am a bit skeptical about the success of the sky crane
But, all new ways of doing things carries a high degree of risk. I just hope it is successful.
