Why do you think Governments and Private companies are investing heavily into putting self sufficient bases on the moon?
The answer is that it has plenty of room, vast resources, and is then a small stepping stone to Mars which gives us even more room and resources.
With future technology (Just like the jet plane in the 20th century) future travel to the Moon and Mars will be commonplace by the end of the 21st century. (Or maybe even sooner)
As to the links you posted, I would take them with a pinch of salt, just like the other conclusive reports, as if you check through recent history very few previous reports have been anywhere close to reality.
The Human Race is very resilient and resourceful