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Again, the thermal protection system was delicate because of weight issues.

I was not disagreeing with you.

* A person can do reentry in little more than one of those old style space suits and a parachute,*

Are you sure? If one is in orbit, one will re-enter hypersonic. This implies a whole lotta friction as you careen through the atmosphere.

Here is an example of a one man entry system consisting of nothing but a strap on heatshield and a retro-rocket gun: http://www.astronautix.com/craft/moose.htm

Here is an example

Heh - I've seen that before, or something like it.

But that's more involved than 'space suit, retro-rocket, parachute'.

Be a heckuva ride.

Nitpick: It's not drag friction as much it was compressive heating. I suppose if you can avoid the compression, it wouldn't be as much of an issue...