If $41m is what is needed for this company to generate huge buzz, build a massive user base and make phenomenal amounts of money, it's a completely valid venture.

I'm not arguing that it will be a success - it just seems sensible to wait for the outcome before passing judgement on whether the investment was worthwhile.

Let this particular business succeed on its merits, just like the average start-up.

Surely one of those 'merits' is having the wiles to raise large amounts of funding and spend it appropriately, including on mindshare?