I don't quite understand why those that hate the airships get so excited about the whole thing.
I have no idea if they will ever work, but the total amount wasted even if they never work is about the same as the F35 tail-hook, FFS!
It's something different. That always takes time.
I imagine after the first 10 attempts at hovering jets were useless that there were many like yourselves saying that they were snake-oil salesmen.
Then came the Harrier......