The important point IMHO isn't about being skeptical, but having the ability to verify the claims, or if not, at least having a good heuristic to detect bullshi

The important point IMHO isn't about being skeptical, but having the ability to verify the claims, or if not, at least having a good heuristic to detect bullshit (eg. by checking whether it contradicts with something you already know). Just being skeptical without some way to allow good information to flow through the filter makes one close-minded.