Yeah, I happen to agree about Mars, at least with our current state of technology. It may become feasible to establish something out there with some big advances in biotech though (engineering much more rugged species that would make the transition easier for us).

I have to admit that I'm excited by the prospect of exploring our solar system though, regardless of whether or not it makes economic sense. Having people up there in a semi-permanent arrangement seems like it would really put innovation in overdrive for the development of colony-building technology. There's something important about being there that just makes things move faster.