We had discussed how far away or near was the possibility of creating life in the lab. There is relevant research being done for the food industry. I realize this is not the same as creating life, but if we are some day able to do so, the techniques used to form life will probably be informed by what is learned in food research and similar areas. I'd be more inclined to guess that what this shows, is the likelihood of bypassing a need for creating life from scratch--if we can improve the species we have, for utilitarian purposes, what's the commercial, or scientific point of recreating the base case? Who'll want to fund it?
Your assumption is reasonable.
Money will be a major factor either way.
It is possible at some point the cost to try it might become negligible.