Based on my memory, as well as some documents I've read (http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/729770.pdf), the STS had a large crossrange requirement from early in the program. This was due to various Air Force requirements, one of which was to be able to return to the launch site after one orbit. Having such a large wing area naturally increases mass, causes all sorts of issues (such as needing a heavier launch vehicle). Additionally, since the wing is going to have a sharp leading edge, you're going to see greatly increased thermal loading in those areas.
Suppose the excessively large crossrange requirement is ditched early in the STS program. Having some maneuvering capability is still desirable. In my opinion, a pure lifting body design, along the lines of the X-24 or L-301 would be a suitable shape. With the wings deleted, you can either use the saved mass to stick the STS on a smaller launch vehicle (and potentially eliminate having a parallel-staged stack), increase the payload capability, or build a more robust vehicle. As a result, I feel that ditching the wings is a good idea. How do y'all feel?
Suppose the excessively large crossrange requirement is ditched early in the STS program. Having some maneuvering capability is still desirable. In my opinion, a pure lifting body design, along the lines of the X-24 or L-301 would be a suitable shape. With the wings deleted, you can either use the saved mass to stick the STS on a smaller launch vehicle (and potentially eliminate having a parallel-staged stack), increase the payload capability, or build a more robust vehicle. As a result, I feel that ditching the wings is a good idea. How do y'all feel?