Interesting and thought provoking article.
Like you, it seems idiotic to want to run (colonize Mars) before you can walk (Moon first) !
I suspect many people such as Elon Musk believe that a Mars project is sexier than a Moon project and therefore may be able to entice more funding out of investors.
A Moon First strategy would make much more sense due to the distance involved, irrespective of its resource value.
It should be about testing the technology, techniques and logistics required to build a habitable infrastructure in what is an uninhabitable and potentially hostile environment.
On a lighter note, if you watch the TV series The Expanse, colonizing Mars may result in another political super power ;)
According to the 70's TV series Space 1999, the Moon is a better bet (jeez, that seemed so far in the future then !)