With the Mars landing, there's an emotional, and
PR aspect to it.
"We are going to Mars". Wow!
"We are sending a machine to Mars". Been done before.
As for the real reason why it won't happen. Yes all the recent posters have great obstacle points which the pro lobby can chip away at, and it seems they have invented half-a-wheel very competently.
The real reason is as I clearly stated a few posts back. Ain't going to happen.
QED