Their “refutation” doesn’t need to be true... it just needs to create enough doubt that it gives them cover.
Then... they can break the law with impunity and write off any opposition as “kooks”.
They’ve had decades to perfect the template. And it works.
You are 100% correct. Once they discovered that they can simply lie and obfuscate, even under oath, then the flood gates have opened, and here we are.