But they can't have it both ways. If the powers that be on Earth want to mine this opportunity to learn more about Ancient technology, then they'd be best served keeping the people aboard Destiny healthy and happy and prolonging the situation as long as possible. If they really think the people on Destiny are doomed, and that it's not worthwhile to send experts to learn about the ship and help keep things running smoothly, why maintain contact at all?
Same as if it were happening for real and not a tv show. Because, even tho you know there's nothing you can do, you can't turn your back on them. You do what you can to keep them comfortable and reassure them, but ..., in the end, you know there's nothing you can do.
So, you accept all the reports ancient technology and let them see their families and then ..., what? Just wait for them to die? No. You keep up the pretense, just ... because ...