You sound a little jaded, ol' Sport...!!!
Actually Moller's efforts have resulted in the advancement of other technologies. And, if there weren't people like him who keep pursuing the prize - the great American greed factories (MSFT, TRW, GM, etc.) would control everything that happens. Personally, I prefer that more of the Tom Swift's of the world see some success.
Power-to-weight ratios for engines have been the biggest problem for Moller, and the new developments in micro-turbines (..currently used in small electrical generators..) could solve those issues. Additionalyy, the tremendous advancements in micro-sized computers, imbedded controllers, and the distributed control of same bring a technology like the "..flying car.." closer to reality all the time. The new lightweight carbon fiber composites vs. heavy fiberglas will also help this or a similar efforts succeed.
I'm not suggesting that you or anyone else who is not a wealthy philanthropist invest in it, but I certainly prefer that they keep trying - because it is do-able at this point in time.
Keep in mind, not everyone is like Dean Kamen and his "Segway" scooter - having Bill Gates fortune backing them up...!!!
Having personally scratch-built, registered (JMH001), licensed, and made road-worthy a 100HP, automatic, Corvair-powered Dune Buggy, I certainly salute Moller for building and flying his machine - tethered or not.
"...GOooooooooooooooooooooooooo Popular Science & Tom Swift...."!!!
John :-)
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