I had the exact same questions. I'm pretty sure the answer to question 1 is hidden in their systems about the originally planned Sepulveda proof of concept tunn

I had the exact same questions. I'm pretty sure the answer to question 1 is hidden in their systems about the originally planned Sepulveda proof of concept tunnel. According to them that one hadn't been planned to take any passengers so it would have been a total loss and poor proof of concept. This tunnel would still be a loss but probably a smaller one and a much better proof of concept and marketing show piece.