I wouldn't rush to conclude that the space elevator will never be realized. If it does take longer than initially anticipated, so be it. I would encourage LiftPort to continue its work; at the rate the space program moves (in fits and starts), perhaps a space elevator might eventually be a more economical way to lift material out of Earth's gravity well anyhow. I wouldn't want people fifty years in the future to look back and think, "Gee. The Shuttle has been scrapped. The CEV program didn't work out. IF only we had continued working on the Space Elevator, we would have an operating elevator at this time (rather than nothing at all)."