[Retric]

If you are going to measure a dataset by its completeness and its length you are going to find it's the best based on that scale. However, if you want to define some other scale which cares less about those factors and more about geographic coverage feel free, but don't try to mix there definition with yours because your "best" will be less compleat or cover a shorter period.

PS: If you feel some other dataset would be a better proxy feel free to argue the point on its own merits. But be careful when you start to redefine the terms someone else is using, it has little to do with their argument and is not useful.

[Tichy]

I have nothing against the data set as such - I think it is great if such a complete data set exists. All I am saying is that a data set from one location is not sufficient to calculate the climate of the whole planet. It is one data set among many, which happens to be especially complete.