While that's probably correct that without NASA support SpaceX may not survive 10 years ago, on the way to becoming the innovator it is today. Financially speak

While that's probably correct that without NASA support SpaceX may not survive 10 years ago, on the way to becoming the innovator it is today. Financially speaking however NASA has spent less to buy launch capability from SpaceX than it would have to otherwise. From the R&D perspective NASA doesn't really have any say in how Starship/Superheavy are developed, which is the cutting edge of space launch. Nor does it dictate the timeline or milestones of the program. Not the same compared to the EU's initiative. In fact, SpaceX's success shows a different path: let the private sector innovate, provide support in terms of know-how, credibility and potential contracts.