He’s right on this IMO, there is no good reason to return to the moon again at the present.
I'm not so sure. Beside the gelological aspects, a well supplied lunar staging area could launch a much heavier payload because of the Moon's lower gravity, thus affording a longer manned presence on the Martian surface. It would also effect a more efficient return as the vehicle would be less massive than one that would otherwise have staged from Earth, yet carrying more sample returns given again the lower launch requirements in Mars lesser gravity.
“He’s right on this IMO, there is no good reason to return to the moon again at the present.”
Tell that to the Chinese, Indians, Russsians, Japanese, Btits, and Europeans. All of whom are making firm plans to go to the Moon, and to Mars and none of whom are looking to private companies.