The Space Shuttle and International Space Station were never used for their original designed and intended purpose. The Carter Administration scaled back the program and changed its purpose and use. So, for whatever shortcoming you find in the accomplishments of the Shuttle program, take it up with the libs.
The USAF had a project named DYNASOAR that would have allowed for a reusable lifting-body for reentry. It was superseded by NASA rockets of the Mercury/Gemini projects.
Perhaps the way to go is to revive the concept of a small lifting-body for manned access to low-earth orbit, while cargo went atop conventional, unmanned systems? It would come down to cost... and I’d guess that a capsule is just cheaper & safer.
Obama changed the objective to a Muslim outreach program. It failed at that, too.
The Space Shuttle and International Space Station were never used for their original designed and intended purpose.