Why researching "dark horses" is necessary?

[sd_matt]

A couple questions from a layman lurker?

1. Is the following takeaway correct? Confirming that any given concept (ie FRC, Polywell) works or doesn't work will not likely tell you if another concept works. Each concept must be built and tested?

2. If Helion accomplishes net power at 90 cents or less on the dollar, or simply builds those plants for Microft and that recycler do you forsee Polywell, Dense Plasma Focus and many more getting fully funded shortly thereafter?

[Giorgio]

A couple questions from a layman lurker?

1. Is the following takeaway correct? Confirming that any given concept (ie FRC, Polywell) works or doesn't work will not likely tell you if another concept works. Each concept must be built and tested?

In the start of any new technology any negative result (if properly executed) is as good as a positive result as it allows other team to better channel their effort into mastering the tech.
The problem are all those paper experiments, based only on "simulations" that add nothing except to the bank account of the one that get the grant.
If there is something that the history of scientific research has though us is that you cannot substitute a real experiment with a theoretical simulation.

In my view every idea (as long as it has a decent scientific base) should be experimentally tested and results reported.

2. If Helion accomplishes net power at 90 cents or less on the dollar, or simply builds those plants for Microft and that recycler do you forsee Polywell, Dense Plasma Focus and many more getting fully funded shortly thereafter?

The first one that reaches break-even will open the flood gates of financing for everyone else.