I think I feel a post coming on! This is a huge and interesting subject. Just to respond to your 2nd point, it is 100% not possible for an explorer (no matter how wealthy or prepared they are) to explore this region without a provided escort, who won't let you go more than 30 miles inland. And there are only three possible entry points to Antartica (all guarded by the military). Entering from anywhere else is strictly forbidden.
Some rich friends of mine put in a proposal to independently explore further into Antartica and were told in no uncertain terms this was never going to happen. Guided tours only!