[korax]

I disagree, we should always, when available, use our best source of knowledge to argue about issues. Always. I see no reason to say, "hmm let's go and use lesser quality evidence."

I would even say that, if you don't know the science about an issue, it might be the wisest to refrain from having a strong position on a matter, at all.

Sure, many people do not understand statistics, I would dare postulate many many scientists don't properly understand stats ;)

But, if we do away with the science domain, people will resort to another domain, which is normally trumped in debates by scientific arguments. And that is, anecdotal evidence. And people will use it just as much and as falsely to defend their believes.

(no worries, not a native speaker either :) )