Too many things don't add up, for example: SpaceX, and friendly commentators, have framed this as a highly experimental test flight. The most visible aspect of that are the heatshield test tiles on various parts of the upper stage.

That kind of testing is understandable to a certain extent. But it doesn't make sense to ditch the rocket in the Indian Ocean once you've run those experiments, instead of catching it, and having all the parts available to study.

The ground equipment is the longest lead-time item for future flights. If you accidentally blow that up, it sets the program back months.

How much would it cost them to catch it, though? Not just in money, but time. How do you know it doesn't make sense?

I don’t think they are letting go of these rockets; they are definitely being retrieved back. Otherwise, rival countries like China will end up retrieving them.

The tower is more expensive than the rocket. The old tower is sketchy and quite flawed, and the new tower is not complete yet.