This is where I think the disconnect. ITAR includes many things much more mundane than cutting edge spacecraft prototypes. It’s still ITAR whether it’s strapped onto a prototype for the first time or on its 800th flight in production.
I think the disconnect is that I intended it more as a statement that SpaceX had physical locks (and/or some forms of access control) on their physical stuff. They have allow lists for various areas. So, at a rough level they can say ITAR hardware is in section 5, so they can only allow people in the intersection of "need section 5 access" and "US persons" in. Because the list is almost certainly computer managed.
It's kind of a joke that if they don't have locks I would play with the prototypes. Just because that's what I would seek out. But yes, ITAR can cover the boring and probably mundane as well.
This is where I think the disconnect. ITAR includes many things much more mundane than cutting edge spacecraft prototypes. It’s still ITAR whether it’s strapped onto a prototype for the first time or on its 800th flight in production.