Arriving at conclusions based on models is not science. Science is determined by applying the discipline of the Scientific Method to the hypothesis, replicating and reviewing the results and then reaching a logical conclusion. Scientific Method is science. Modeling is not science!
I think you're giving these fraudsters too much credit. It is actually more accurate to say:
Arriving at a conclusion and then basing the model on that conclusion is not science.
It is outright fraud, and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
I was always taught that the scientific method was...
1. Observe- “People are getting sick and dying. Yikes!”
2. Hypothesize - “Based on plugging rough numbers into a model I created it looks as if 3% of people who catch this virus will die and if we lock everyone down it will be a better outcome.”
3. Measure - “Well, after looking at the actual figures it appears that our hypothesis/model was wrong. Let us try to figure out what we did wrong.”
4. Refine your hypothesis and re-measure - “After taking into account the results of our measurements, our new hypothesis is that it is only a really bad flu and there was never a need to lock everyone down. Remeasuring has confirmed our new hypothesis.”
5. Come to a conclusion - “The politicians done goofed.”
There is definitely a time and a place for modeling. It is a very useful tool to help come up with an accurate hypothesis. It is to be used BEFORE you start measuring actual results or coming to conclusions.
The data on he Corona virus has been corrupted from the beginning. Many (Mostly Rat!) state government data at best can be thought of as inconsistent at worst full of shenanigans. Difficult to say what’s what about it. Time will clarify. I think I can confidently say it’s not Black Plague.