I agree that what's being attempted is pretty implausible, but you're comparing it to people pursuing perpetual motion, which is in direct contravention of physical laws.
A better comparison might be people pursuing fusion for power generation -- something known to be possible, albeit potentially beyond human capabilities either now or in the future.
Yes, all I'd be saying with that comparison is that the logic used above proves too much. Of course, people also say the same sorts of things about advances that pan out.
A better comparison might be people pursuing fusion for power generation -- something known to be possible, albeit potentially beyond human capabilities either now or in the future.