[the8472]

> I think we should use star trek transporters. They would be even cheaper and even better.

Most of the energy of a spaceship in star trek is provided by anti-matter annihilation. Those are stupendous amounts of energy that they have available. Transporters may not be cheaper or better than space elevators. They're just far more convenient.

For lifting gigatons of raw material into space you probably still want an elevator or other more "conventional" launch systems (anti-grav, impulse engines, etc.). Or just tow asteroids from outside the gravity well to your manufacturing site.