Simon, yeah, let the show go on. no, the US air force did not threaten to shoot down starship if it contained another car, and 2 other plane enthusiasts also did stunts in front of the cameras that constantly monitor the busy works at Musks workshop.
re subsidies, yes, in return The government gets real bargains for their space transportation needs, competing with the Chinese, Russian, Indians. Subsidizing poor families too, a sure way to forestall a population decline (south Korea take note) even that country bought a Musk moon shot, on the cheap