[deepspace]

I disagree. Something new that challenges areas of physics where our understanding is vague, like neutrino mass or dark matter - sure: feel free to explore new theories

Something that challenges something as solidly established as conservation of momentum: Snake oil.

[ckozlowski]

Newtonian motion was pretty well established for hundreds of years until general relativity transformed our understanding of gravity.

Things seem "established" until evidence comes along indicating it may not be. It doesn't always result in a reevaluation, but there's times it does.

This feels like one of those times where there's those in the establishment are yelling at others that their studies are a waste of time and that they shouldn't bother....and if that advice was followed, we'd be missing many of the breakthroughs in knowledge we have today. Of course there will be many times they're unsuccessful. That's why accepting a negative result is a lauded part of the scientific process. Without the bravery required in challenging convention, we would never make progress.

[bpodgursky]

I don't get why you are fixated on that term. They're literally not selling anything.

The whole point of the term "snake oil salesman" is that someone is getting defrauded, and a dishonest person is making a quick buck.