[anatolfz]

The thing is there has to be some kind of relationship between observation and theory. You always make intersting point, but it seems to me best points are made by those who link published, resonably attested facts to an explanation; who try to account for all those things we have seen being revealed. "If they say so-and-so, how can we fit that into a theory", they say. It's less helpful, however, when one adduces a theory which does not answer any question; does not account for the (admittedly limited) things we are told; which in fact relies on events we are yet not told about. My two kopecks, anyway.

[varina davis]

It's less helpful, however, when one adduces a theory which does not answer any question; does not account for the (admittedly limited) things we are told; which in fact relies on events we are yet not told about.

No doubt this is true. However, if one never thinks outside the box (a phrase I detest,but appropriate here), and fails to incorporate possible scenarios which, in fact, are realities in this society, then one is left with nothing but pap and pat formulas.