Ah thanks for sharing! I was not sure of some facts, but now, you 'cleared' them! :)
I think that if settling to Mars is a success, then, it would be the proof that we can go further, so, Mars is the 'first step' in some way. Going to Mars may not be enough, but will give us some more time. Well, I don't think that any of us here will witness that, and I don't think I would like it to be so ;)