[dataflow]

This isn't to agree with the parent comment, but wouldn't this situation itself be an answer to your question (assuming the claim is true)? Laymen like me easily anticipated mass divergence, but purportedly scientists have been surprised by it.

[cwillu]

The procedure of multiple weights being calibrated against a single standard is _predicated_ on anticipated mass divergence.

The mystery being discussed is that, even after the obvious sources of error are allowed for, there is still a discrepancy, and it's not easy to determine how much of that discrepancy is with the weights being recalibrated vs the test standard they're being calibrated to. None of which is shocking to anyone involved, just puzzling.

[sumtechguy]

I think that they do not have an exact reason and measured it and seen it happen is the surprising bit. Anything else is a good guess. Of those, people have plenty.

[monktastic1]

This comment chain is getting circular. We can't use this as an example for itself by assuming that it is true.