One scenario that has been under active discussion is slipping the mission of the mobile, nuclear-powered Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) from 2009 to 2011. Another possibility was building two MSL rovers to double the data that could be gathered during that mission and reduce program risk.
Well, here we go again. Slipping and probably eventually cancelling real science programs so we can all wallow in the illusion we'll be putting men on Mars. What a waste.
to hell with "real science" (aka "pure" science)
if it is worth doing, it is worth doing for a buck.
if the goal isn't pragmatic exploitation, it will never be more than pretty postcards from distant robots.