[dtel]

It is my understanding there was not enough fuel to reach the ISS.
They were in the wrong orbit, for another matter.
The fact is these guys went up via a very large container of highly flammable fuel.
They are fully aware of the risks inherent in space exploration.
As far as fixing damage in space, there is no way, at this time to carry the appropriate materials. (20,000 different tiles)
There is no way, at this time, to remove and reinstall any damaged tiles in space, if they could carry the appropriate materials.
I would think the astronauts knew what their situation was, meaning I believe ground control talked with them, prior to re-entry.
They had two choices:
Fly around space until you expire.
Bring it home.

[bvw]

1. Repeating excuses doesn't make them better.
2. "Fully aware of the risks" -- No. Stat case proves it too. Rather at every level "risks" are filtered and excused, beyond safety.
3. Chanting, in unison. "They were fully aware of the risks", does not excuse ONE SINGLE SOLITARY compromise in fact or inclination towards safety.
4. "They had two choices" -- they didn't even open up the box to see if they had more. The "nothing we can do" attitude. The legal theory: "If you not informed, you are not liable."