[Zetice]

Just to be clear, I'm not commenting on if the lab leak theory is plausible or not, I'm commenting on how none of these folks were willing to go "on the record" about it in a way that would have to stand up to the level of scrutiny they know would come.

[beerpls]

“ Now realize that publicly stating your lab had a protocol failure of this magnitude and you face career death, the possible eradication of your lab and it’s connections, etc.”

From my previous comment.

It wouldn’t be the least bit surprising that these researchers wouldn’t say it happened even if they had strong evidence it did.

The downsides are obviously not good for them nor their careers in any way. God forbid they themselves could be found connected to the responsibility and would inevitably become a scapegoat.

And if they did come out and nothing happened to them - what positives would occur? “Reforming safety protocols”? All that would do is create more red tape in the future and inhibit research even more.

I think you should better evaluate the context of what a scientist in that position would face and think. You really quickly see there’s a lot of grey area, and we can’t think very highly of our typical standards of proof.

Of course, i’m not saying “absolutely it was a leak”. Simply that you’re holding the theory to such high standards of proof as to be, imho, unreasonable.

[Zetice]

It isn't clear to me that there are meaningful outward pressures on these folks to lie or misrepresent what they're able to credibly support.

And even if there were, it does nothing for the argument that it was a lab leak. You can imply and infer all day, but "surely there'd be proof if only people would be free to speak" isn't actually an argument in favor of an idea, just a plausible explanation for a lack of that argument.

[beerpls]

Lol all of y’all are interpreting my comments in terrible faith but because you support the narrative it’ll be accepted.

Never mind friends. I just wanted to make people think a little, but that’s always a mistake here.

For the record: I’m quite skeptical that the lab leak theory is true.

[SiempreViernes]

Uh, the upside is that they become instant heroes for a lot of people, having exposed an evil plot to hide the truth. Why are you leaving that out?