I think that is a realistic assessment — go for the moon, settle for a lunar landing, a foothold. It is used all the time.
Sadly, it is a common and accepted practice in everyday business. How many times have I submitted a budget for the coming year, after being told to pad it by 30-40% by my managers, to insure we met our desires and most years we got more than we ask for. I feel certain there are smiles all around the WH these days. Once the toe is in the door, then they can expand the budget with every little bill that comes through, and we will never know anything about it.