But it seems like a good thing to do if indeed the solutions are not attainable.
Anyway, this whole question seems on the wrong level analysis. You should do what you think works, not what you think doesn’t work but might trick others into trying anyway.
Added: To be clear I too found MIRI largely giving up on solving the alignment problem demoralizing. I’m still going to keep working on preventing the end of the world regardless, and I don’t at all begrudge them seriously trying for 5-10 years.
But it seems like a good thing to do if indeed the solutions are not attainable.
Anyway, this whole question seems on the wrong level analysis. You should do what you think works, not what you think doesn’t work but might trick others into trying anyway.
Added: To be clear I too found MIRI largely giving up on solving the alignment problem demoralizing. I’m still going to keep working on preventing the end of the world regardless, and I don’t at all begrudge them seriously trying for 5-10 years.