I think the main point the author of the link in >>6 was driving at is that, given that we're likely going to be having shortages of cheap energy before fusion reactors become commercially viable, it would be better to fund research in further-developed and cheaper technologies. While I agree with that particular assertion, I disagree with his overall analysis. I'm also loathe to consider pure research as a dime and dollar operation.

As for Greenpeace... they have their hearts in the right place, but also seem to ignore their heads. Take their stance on nuclear tech. I guess they never considered the ramifications of other energy-extraction methods becoming widespread.