Beyond that, a logical argument can be made against putting all the national space eggs in one basket.
If that argument actually carried any weight, then ULA wouldn't exist, but Martin, McDonnel Douglas Aerospace, and GD Convair would. That is, the DoD and the defense companies trot out any arguments they feel like, and hope that Congress accepts them.
I concur on your analysis of companies that are fat and happy bidding and working on DoD contracts. It's really, really hard to turn those companies around.
If that argument actually carried any weight, then ULA wouldn't exist, but Martin, McDonnel Douglas Aerospace, and GD Convair would. That is, the DoD and the defense companies trot out any arguments they feel like, and hope that Congress accepts them.
I concur on your analysis of companies that are fat and happy bidding and working on DoD contracts. It's really, really hard to turn those companies around.