[Rockitz]

If the launch rate for shuttle had been reasonable and station was reboosted each time shuttle docked, 28 degrees would have worked. There was also to have been a permanent propulsion segment (I worked on a proposal) for reboost purposes, but that was shelved. Either of those options would have provided the reboost necessary. Given the funding environment, the 51.5 degree option was necessary, but not optimal. No NASA commitment and some weak contract performance killed station.

[FreedomCalls]

If the launch rate for shuttle had been reasonable ...

But it hasn't. We're now into our third year with only one shuttle launch to show for it. The unfortunate reality of the choice is a working station on orbit at 51.5° or one at the bottom of the Pacific at 28°.