I am amazed by the diplomacy shown in the linked article. Nowhere does the article suggest that Excel not be used for such important scientific work, work that

I am amazed by the diplomacy shown in the linked article. Nowhere does the article suggest that Excel not be used for such important scientific work, work that has a bearing on human health and well-being. If the paper had been about drunk driving, or guns in the hands of children, it could be expected to suggest obvious remedial steps along with the data. But as to Excel, it's as though it's the only available tool for data reduction and communication. In fact, it's one of the more expensive of the alternatives, many of which are much better suited to the task being described.