Reminds me of solar. That took a century to get to where we are today where the net energy output is much greater than the energy needed to manufacture them.

It being hard and it requiring continual progress does not mean that progress does not occur.

Correct. Nuclear fusion research should be funded and realistic goals be set.

…which is exactly what this is?

How long has humanity been working on fusion? Wasn't Ivy Mike in the early 50's? Glaciers continually progress too, but it's not obvious on human timescales.