The point is the whole frame of the debate has changed. It used to be that exploring Mars would have required massive investment in single-use rockets for a vanity mission. Now we are on the cusp of realising an order of magnitude drop in the cost of access to space. Recovering F9 first stages is only phase 1. The next step would be a redesigned SpaceX rocket allowing for a recoverable 2nd stage as well.

It's no longer about massively costly media shows, but inexpensive, sustainable projects that may be achievable within our lifetime.