[VentureStar](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VentureStar) was (IMHO) a pretty cool design; a reusable space plane designed for low running costs and rapid turn-around seems like just what the world needs. However, it was cancelled in 2001 due to (as I remember it) leaky tanks and excessive weight. Much of the technology was a bit too ambitious for the time. Given the technology of today and the [progress made since then](https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/3005/did-venturestar-technology-lead-anywhere) does the design still make sense and could it be built?

Alternatively, was the design a product of NASA being obsessed with space planes rather than simpler, less sexy rockets?