Well, if the problem of building a hyperloop or similar system is now reduced to the more well defined problems mentioned in the post, we're still better of tha

Well, if the problem of building a hyperloop or similar system is now reduced to the more well defined problems mentioned in the post, we're still better of than before the proposal. The OP claims that the structural analysis and graphics in the proposal are not useful and goes on "This is eyewash for the rubes, the surest sign you’re dealing with a snake oil salesman.". I don't think that is the most likely reason for including those bits. More likely, this is the work of engineers from different fields taking a stab at something new and making mistakes. If this is the case, I applaud them for their bravery. For each point in the post, Musk can now hire a room full of experts to work on that. I'm sure anyone who has ever picked up work in a related but new field has made similar mistakes. On a different note, I don't understand why this post is so petty and often crosses into the unconstructive... If "Dr Drang" is reading this, please consider editing your blog post and removing the parts about snake oil, other engineers being able to do these calculations in their sleep etc. You're doing a disservice to your otherwise very insightful post and the work that clearly went into it.