The history of the "poor man's nukes", aka gas warfare (used in WW I, not used since against a foe similarly equipped) suggests that people may continue to blink before committing suicide.

As for Hubble etc, I said we would have to wait. I didn't point out how long it would likely be. :-)

But yes, going from where we are to spotting Earth-like planets is sort of like the gap between Galileo's telescope and trying to count freckle-sized features on Mars.

Don't hold your breath.

Cheers,
Ben