Actually, it ain't over til the batteries truely die.  Once the guidance system (which needs new gyro's I think) goes, then it's all over..... a rescue mission would be fruitless. 

The entire community is trying to convince NASA to permit a manned flight to repair it.  I know the astronauts want to do it, even though it does increase their risks (obviously).  That unmanned robotic nonsense is just that.... nonsense!  We don't have one that is "granular" enough for the mission requirements. By the time we got one tested, that telescope would be long gone.   

All I can say is call your congressman and tell them we need a MANNED mission. 

There IS a plus side to all of this (although I consider it to be a small plus).  Hubble has completed every single mission requirement and then some.  It had a very long list of things that we wanted it to do..... they are all completed and all were successful.  You can't complain about that!  I think that is why the admins at NASA are somewhat concerned about sending humans to fix it and increase its lifespan.  What if....... what if someone dies in the attempt?  Will you support the future of manned spaceflight or will you want it killed?  That is what the admins are asking themselves about "you," the american public...... Let 'em know!