[_cs2017_]

The authors of the slide either lacked the ability to analyze problems, or lacked the ability to communicate their opinions, or were intentionally obscuring their opinions.

Which of these is the more likely explanation?

I've seen experienced engineers incapable of expressing their thoughts clearly. But I've also seen well-established organizations that encourage hiding your opinions behind a wall of bullshit.

[peteradio]

Have you considered the possibility that in some cases it is basically forbidden from expressing opinions. These guys were tasked to conduct and summarize their studies not opine on the decision to be made, that violates separation of duties and an expressed opinion leads to questions of diligence.

[_cs2017_]

Yes, that's what I meant under "intentionally obscuring their opinions" (for example because of the organizational culture, etc).