Re: STAR HERO Reading List
IMHO, Neuromancer is the cyberpunk novel, and would still be a good example of SF noír even if the cyberpunk genre hadn't developed. Snow Crash is an affectionate and well-done parody of the genre, but it doesn't break any new ground. (That would be my reason, but I'm sure Steve has his.)
Incidentally, Steve, you may want to check out Gibson's Bigend trilogy as an example of SF themes explored in a modern setting.