[ShabbyDoo]

"We could build roads that lasted 50+ years if we simply added 10% crushed up superball into the asphalt mix."

I have presumed that Musk's choice of how to present the HyperLoop to the world was motivated by the goal of drumming up popular support for the project in California. In effect, he likely wants the citizens to tell their government, "Go out and buy Elon's product." Governments are accustomed to citizens saying, "X is a problem and something must be done." vs. "We want Problem X solved via Means Y." So, one incentive which kicks in is risk aversion. No elected official wants the failure of something new to be pinned upon him. Also, better ways of doing things often are worse for politicians. How much bribery, favoritism, etc. is encompassed in the process of fixing the same road over and over again every few years? Politicians might dislike the reduction in power and control which would come along with a road which would last 50 years.

Imagine if companies with innovative technologies marketed them directly to citizens. "We sell a road system which will last for 50 years. Tell your local government you want Surface XYZ." Such marketing would be akin to the marketing of prescription drugs to consumers as a indirect way of influencing physician prescribing habits.