Scientists are the challengers of the status quo. Scientific inquiry leads to improvement and change of current theory. New theories have more and better explanatory power than the previous. These challenges are given voice in scientific journals.
The IDers seek to destroy current science in the hopes that some new system in their favor will automatically take place. A revolution that leaves the populace holding nothing but banners will result in chaos or tyranny. The IDists are welcome to do science and discover support for their theories. When they do, the results will be passed on to students.
You are probably much better read in this field than me, but I just don't see it that way. While they operate under the assumption that intelligence is involved with the universe, they come at the facts with different questions and methods. They are as open to criticism as anyone else when it comes to corroborating their statements with reality.
If what you say is true, namely that they have an organized agenda to supplant natural curiousity, scientific method, etc. with "some new system," I'd sure like to know what it is. And if it is some kind of religious system then theirs is not only a nefarious pursuit but also a pursuit that is bound to fail.