Perhaps they have just enough computer time to do their stated work--taking up more computer time to work out the positions of 27 moons that have no bearing on their work might be a violation of their grant...just guessing here, perhaps computer time is a lot more plentiful than it used to be, but I still think we need more info before trashing these stargazers as imcompetents.
You're welcome to your opinion, but I would expect better knowledge of the subject matter than that exhibited in the article..
I'll give you this.. It may have been the reporter(s) that are mis-stating the situation / circumstances..
At any rate, knowing the albedo of one of the moons and observing it for changes as it orbits behind the planet would give indication of such things as the height and density of the atmosphere and cloud cover..
Additionally, the shadow cast upon said cloud cover could also provide information on cloud height and density...
I would bet that any stars that pass behind the planet are also observed to determine atmospheric characteristics..