[jancsika]

> This rarely leads to a theory that stands the test of time.

1. The simplest explanation is usually the best one.

2. The simplest explanation is usually the easiest to comprehend, discuss, and-- if applicable-- test. This leads to faster iteration times on the path toward a fuller understanding of the phenomenon in question. Consequently, it's best to tend toward the simplest explanation, even if that choice is no better than a coin's flip over a more complicated competing explanation for a particular paper.

Number 2 seems intuitive and supported by the best practices in programming. Well, let's say the least bad practices in programming. :)

Number 1 seems ambiguous enough to lead to some kind of cargo cult. Perhaps greatly increasing iteration time after the simplest explanations have been ruled out? E.g., reluctance to fund research into a more complicated explanation in such a case?