> There are some topics that are still being researched, and if people say anything other than ‘There’s not enough evidence either way and so until we know more

> There are some topics that are still being researched, and if people say anything other than ‘There’s not enough evidence either way and so until we know more sit tight.’ or something to that effect, they’re simply being misleading. OK, but then the argument is conclusive vs. inconclusive. Obviously that's something you can present a clear position on. This position does not exist in a vacuum: you brought up the lack of consensus in response to a vain assumption of consensus. The most important part of your entire sentence was, "sit tight". What is often done instead is to present broad inconfidence. Anyone who assumes any consensus anywhere has broken the cardinal rule. They have made the obvious mistake, and will suffer the consequences. Here's the problem with that tactic: we all suffer the consequences. Weasel words don't resolve the contentiousness of scientific communication. They dodge it.