[RightWhale]

Just look at the design problem as if your were Rutan.

No messy first-stage rocket with huge motors and special, huge ground-support facilities. Just build the upper stage and the crew capsule. It's a much smaller problem and much cheaper. Almost anything would do for the crew capsule, it doesn't even need wings to make a soft landing near a convenient pick-up zone. A TIG welder and some of that special ceramic foam [I know somebody from Alfred] and you are in business.

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks for the comments. I know there is logic behind your theory. I'm just not convinced yet that it's the right way to go. Read my next post.

[hopespringseternal]

Just build the upper stage and the crew capsule.

If you are thinking "capsule" then it ain't going to cut it. Certainly, right now, there is no need to launch more than a handful of people at a time. But for space to be a viable industry, you are going to need to move people in significant numbers. If for no other reason than reducing costs with the $/head figure.