I am not opposed to space telescopes in general. I have even proposed that our moon would make a good space telescope-base location.
As far as giving priority with any government funded space telescopes, in a specific program of searching for “earth-like” “exoplanets”, I see that as the lowest of the low of space telescope priorities at this time.
When would such knowledge have practical import to our own human-exploration space program? When we have “conquered” our own solar system and are technologically prepared to go, humanly, beyond it.
How many generations do we have before that is a reality?
More than the current fantasy predictions think.
By now, according to predictions just fifty years ago, we were already supposed to be out exploring our solar system, with colonies on the moon and mars, everyone driving “air cars”, ect., ect.
No. I am satisfied that now is not the time for making search’s for “earth like” planets a priority. Folks can do it. I just don’t think tax dollars should have anything to do with it.
I agree with you that we should be doing more in the solar system. I just think you are failing to appreciate the boost that all space-efforts would get if we got strong evidence of bio-activity from investigations of distant atmospheres. Anyway I agree with you on a lunar based telescope. Especially at the lunar south pole. What a great way to combine both endeavors!