Play whatever semantic games you want, loads of federal money went into developing the private tech instead of going to NASA or other federal tech funding. I'm not saying it was a bad bet, I'm saying is we can't just achieve the same results but adopting similar looking policies except without the money.

Ok, but that's theoretical math. In reality that effeciency actually needs even more money to be developed. Unless we just outsource it to the Americans.

Hm, yes they (also) did. Both directly and through subsidising or buying services from its clients. Some of which run by the same guy.

Also, lol at the idea that private space companies didn't use massive subsidies from NASA and the Pentagon to get started.

He's got a strong point though. Geo-return makes countries put funding forward. Without it, they won't (as much).