[_carbyau_]

I think you and I have a different approach to science.

I see research as not entirely linear and think that multiple paths should be funded. Most paths won't be "the definitive answer" but add capability, or definitively rule out an approach, that can be used in other scenarios. TheFineArticle shows a different path to the others and they made a great step on it - that seems like money well spent to me.

What I get from reading your post is that it's some kind of race and only the one currently winning should be lauded. I'm not sure if that is what you intend to communicate though.