> It’s a perfect example of research that does nothing except making people feel virtuous for doing the research.

You could say the same for basically any of the fundamental sciences since none of them translate to any appreciable short-term economic value. What is the point of continuing research in physics or mathematics? Math theorems don't convert immediately to industrial output. Why invest even one dollar into astrophysics instead of having people stargaze on their own dime? Should the US outsource basic research to other countries?