It's been nearly TWICE that long since we first went there. And nothing compelling has happend to make it either more desireable, or more practicle to return.
forever the optimist, i think it is different this time because of three or four new players: China, Russia, India, -- and Burt Rutan.
We have to give credit to the Chinese who will scare everyone else into action, and particular credit to Burt Rutan and the many other folks who are showing how it can actually be *done* other than the schlerotic, highly socialist NASA bureaucracy.
i have no doubt that it if is were up to NASA, the 100 to 200 year timeframe is spot on. but i think the Chinese will go for something fast and practical, as will Burt Rutan and/or Virgen and/or Bezios...
if it takes rich tourists to start the migration into space, well, why not? heck, if we could only get pornography up there, the funding problems would be solved!