Well said, Derek
I don't think it's possible for anyone to actually have a final say. Experiments will be performed, even if someone has to buy a private island to make their own laws to do them. I think cloning has more than proven that point.
I'm looking forward to see what will come of it. Hawking is betting that they won't find what they are looking for, but that doesn't mean they won't find anything at all.
As for the detractors, I think being ruled by fear would doom everyone far more easily than seeking answers.