I reckon the "no commercial future" was no more than a disguise for the real motive. There is a long history of things being offered and undertakings being given to us on the assumption that we will not produce the goods, then when we do, the goods are suddenly found (by us) not to be "commercial". I don't blame the Americans or any other countries, our Governments have repeatedly failed to protect our interests.
The I.O.W. Needles Battery and Fort certainly are well worth a visit, and I highly recommend the open top deck of a bus to get there...ascending and descending around hairpin bends above Alum Bay is great! I took my Dad there a few years back, just before his health declined.
I have put some photos in this album if interested:
Isle Of Wight Photos by Captain_Bubble | Photobucket