Here's to clarify: the delay to Feb is mostly due to the launch window not because NASA needs three months to fix the cracks!
They are working on the crack issue since November 2010 which, in combination with the GUCP leak, is the reason why the Shuttle sits on the ground for month now. And the latest delay is due to: "
engineering investigation, testing and analysis regarding shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank stringer crack issue" to quote NASA. The vehicle is anything but ready to lift off safely yet. Launch windows are not the issue here (mottled metal is the issue, and not only for one External Tank). "
With the work remaining, the potential for additional modifications yet to be defined, and further reviews pending, the decision was made today to allow the teams additional time and delay the next launch opportunity out of the early February launch window"
If they launched anyway (to fit your "schedule") and it ended up in a near-disaster or worse, they'd be reckless and incompetent.
I don't like to see fitting the schedule just for the sake to see it lifting off. I'd like to see NASA retiring the Shuttle finally and operating a less complex system. There is really no need to yell: "please do not retire the Shuttle". NASA is not incompetent. But the current program is really inefficient.
We know that regardless of what NASA does, you'll be there to bash and smear.
It should be obvious that I am not looking just at the pomp and circumstance of NASA unlike many people prefer doing so. I would immediately stop to bash and smear if there would be no reason anymore, i.e. a time and cost efficient program more than 30 years after they wanted to do so already
But after all, it's a governmental body and the chances that something will change in future are rare I guess. Constellation told a lot (to those who listened). But that's not the right thread to discuss those things I think
PS: all I said was T+3 month and counting for an 8.5 minutes ride into low earth orbit. What's wrong about it? Nothing. It's T+3 month and counting...