I think both of those things are perfectly valid topics for discussion. Even if your contribution to the discussion is, "I DON'T think Rocky is a good source for musicalization, and this is why..."
They are both up and coming works by interesting musical theatre artists. Rocky, to me, sounds like a variation on Golden Boy... and Ahrens and Flaherty are a fascinating choice for the score. This isn't the type of musical they've worked on before, and I think they both bring tremendous specificity to each project. Who knows what it will sound like? I think seeing them adapt a commercial film into a stage project is very interesting. And who are they seeking for the leads? And how much of the source material will they keep? And is this a feasible project?
And I've heard parts of the Little House on the Prarie demo that I thought were promising. If you don't like something about this idea, a discussion about it can be enlightening for both sides as well. Zambello is obviously becoming an increasingly important director in the field. (Wasn't she supposed to direct First Wives Club at some point?) And is her niche "women's musicals"? And will the Guthrie run lead to a New York run? And how will the midwest accept this specific musical, which draws on a source they are already attached to? And has anyone noticed that almost the ENTIRE creative team is female? Female director, lyricist, composer, book writer (Rachel Sheinkin!), choreographer... That's nearly a phenomenon. How many predominantly female creative teams do you see on Broadway right now? How are these not valid topics for discussion?
Of course, I think the strike is a more than valid topic for discussion as well. But I don't think that dismissing ALL other news and activity of the theatre world at this time is helpful. Or necessary. Or fun.
[title of show] on Broadway. it's time. believe.