The launch was a publicity stunt.
You’re right: It’s all about you.../s
A billion-dollar publicity stunt? Considering how science, technology, employment, and economics was advanced by this launch, we certainly need more of these “publicity stunts”.
If he launched a 1 ton concrete block (like NASA did for test launches), would it be a publicity stunt? Have to launch the new rocket for the first time, nobody wants to put a serious payload on untested rockets, and something has to be launched as payload. So what if it’s something fun - like a car - instead of just a concrete block?