[bloated5048]

I agree. If we relied on anecdotal evidence more often we'd have resorts on Mars by now.

[cynicalpeace]

"Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize."

Assuming you're being sarcastic. I never said anecdotal evidence. And indeed all 3 (first principles, received wisdom, and personal experimentation) are helping get to space, arguably more than research papers