But people can actually use Waymo right now - that’s the biggest proof you need.

No I can’t.

ESA doesn’t yet have re-usable rockets period.
The Falcon 9 is a decade ahead, nevermind Starship.

Ariane 5 is almost 30 years old. Only a decade ahead is kinda disappointing. As to reusable: It’s a matter of economics, not technology.

And now look at Neuralink’s achievements too.

Old tech new hype.