I agree with you in principle. I still think reproducible should be a goal even in pure research in blue sky machine learning for the following reasons: Even b

I agree with you in principle. I still think reproducible should be a goal even in pure research in blue sky machine learning for the following reasons: Even basic research is can be sensitive to omitted parameters, setups and starting conditions. Honest mistakes, accidental omissions and failing to spot sensitivity to parameters happens all the time. Writing "A clear explanation of any assumptions" is rarely comprehensive. Its easy to miss things and become blind to some fine details. Discovering and documenting of a new interesting phenomenon and dynamics is also part of basic research. Publishing experimental discoveries without explanation should be always reproducible.