Humans and Robots test case

>Are there populations
>that would rather be someplace than where they are now? Are there
>populations that the rest of us would pay to move somewhere besides
>where they are now?

Yes, and yes.

Sociopolitical dissidents are ideal volunteer communities for space
colonization! Even stodgy ole NASA agrees that forward-looking communities
wishing to experiment with unconventional/radical forms of political and
social organization would do well to consider an orbital home:
http://lifesci3.arc.nasa.gov/SpaceSettlement/Basics/wwwwh.html#who

That sort of pioneer, already highly self-selected by his/her very
dissidence for precisely the sort of intelligence, initiative, and
adaptability early orbital life will demand, WILL want to "live in tents on
the site" -- and bring their families with them! -- while they build their
new homes from their own vision and their own sweat. After all, what value
remains in any Utopia-- real OR imagined Utopia -- if it cannot be shared
with those for whom we built it: our own families and friends?

Ad astra per aspera -- spike