1. Not in their congressional district or state ~ porkbarrel being desirable if and only if it's at home.
2. In a field of science they either don't know much about or don't care ~ Midwestern earthquake possibilities definitely make Westcoasters' eyes glaze over!
3. Something involving any claim by an ignorant reporter that there is no plan to use the information derived, or no plan to proceed beyond the latest step, or no plan whatsoever to do anything but spend more money. That is, we have too many Freepers yet who continue to believe what the MSM tell them.
So, no, not you in particular, but your reaction definitely fits the pattern ~ (now that I've read your post) ~
In my career in the oil industry, I've probably been involved in the drilling of 25,000 wells or more. I'm not sure. I've never kept track.
In none of those did we not know what to expect or did we not have a plan before we drilled the wellbore.
So, if I fit your stereotype of a dumb rube when it comes these matters, I'd like to know your credentials.