> The alternative idea is to put a lot of sand on a single elevator with huge winches that just goes up and down in a big, deep mine shaft. This one at least has the potential to be viable.
Yeah I did. He immediately dismisses the prospect, cuts the size of everything in half with a glorious hand wave, and then explains how that's not enough.
I don't think it's viable either FYI. Just pointing out your rebuke acknowledges the feasibility.