The real issue for this debate is: why does human space flight and space science have to be lost link. In breaking from LEO-dominated strategies, Constellation has the opportunity to embrace multi-tasking and multi-role missions that could once again converge these two oft disparate priorities. Get us back to where we thought we were going in the late 70s and early 1980s.

First see the comments in the video from Dr. David S. Leckrone. This comment is way down the thread from David Baker, a veteran of NASA, etc.

Candid Comments on the Constellation Program | NASA Watch