its just the drip drip drip of stories created by the PR depts for these space agencies. if there are not constant little stories then people forget about the space programs and interest ($$$$) fades. we are due for more "breaking news" on a Mars discovery in about 5 months, right on schedule.
Let's suppose for a second that NASA is not making it all up - I mean, just for argument. They would still need to publish information and data, and they would still need to keep the public informed of the going's on. They would still need to keep relevant, and yes, they would need to do it to keep their funding. They are a research and development arm of the government and as such would need to keep the info, data and exploration advances coming.
None of this is evidence of anything in particular other than they are doing their job and/or pulling the wool over our eyes. It's not specific enough for either side to use as evidence. None of what I've seen on this board (or anywhere else for that matter) regarding NASA is.
I'll be the first to admit they are wasteful, not as much as they used to be, but still are. However, I choose to accept that they are not hoaxing us as I can't see the conspiracy as being viable.