This lengthy thread has covered quite a lot.
First and foremost, how scientific theories, although never really 100% certain, do gain near certainty the more they align with observational data and continue to make outstandingly correct predictions.
To put it quite bluntly. Some scientific theories are often referred to as factual beyond any reasonable logical doubt.
This forum, supporting the points made in the OP, has not seen any alternative proposition/hypothesis even come close to reaching scientific theory status...plenty of huff and puff and false indignation when revealed as not applicable and plainly wrong, is all they have ever achieved.
The recent discussions re the supposed "uncertainty" of Evolution and Abiogenesis, as pushed by the deity brigade, highlights their quandary.
I suppose it was obvious though, that our dyed in the wool, Alternative hypothesis pushers, and their cryptic closet supporters were never going to take kindly to any objectivity and procedures that would invalidate there delusional dreams.
Here they are again, with a couple of additional points that are very relevant.
[1] Don't present the theory as fact...don't present it as something that is "faite accompli" It most certainly isn't:
[2] Gather all the experimental and Observational evidence to support your claims...
[3] Whatever you have at the very least, must be able to explain and predict better then the incumbent model:
[4] Your theory almost certainly is going to be challenged, and will need to run the gauntlet:
[5] You will be told you are incorrect and your theory is wrong in most cases:
[6] Throwing a tantrum will not win you any support:
[7] You’re going to be asked tough questions. When someone asks you a question answer it.
[8] When someone demonstrates a point you made is wrong, acknowledge that it is wrong and accept it:
[9] Peer review may not be perfect, but it is absolutely necessary. The participants of any forum one sets out his alternative theory on, are your peers. Accept that:
[10] If you think you have accomplished a theory over riding Evolution, SR, GR the BB QM or Newton, you most certainly have not: 100 years and more of past giants, and the 100's of books and papers since, means that you will not invalidate such overwhelmingly supported ideas in a few words or posts: Accept that from the word go:
[11] In all likelyhood you are not Einstein, Newton, Hawking Bohr or Feynman: Don't pretend to be.
[12] And finally always be prepared to modify your ideas/model/theories:
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With relation to all 10 points and any alternative theories, the incumbent model, in most cases will always logically be the default position....eg:
If someone does happen to come up with a theory that matches exactly what the incumbent theory does but no more, the incumbent theory naturally holds position.
paddoboy
That's a pretty well thought out framework that those with serious disagreements with current theory might have reasonable discussions within.
I would like to add another...
Make damn sure that you understand current theory as it is presented by the "main stream" before you embark on your exploration of new frontiers. That is the starting point. Our recent troubles are caused by the fact that our would-be Hawkings don't even understand the first postulate(Relativity) and flat out deny the second postulate(constant, invariant c)yet still claim to understand the theory based only on those two postulates. This is not rationality, it is delusion.
Grumpy
Most here that are interested in real science, will be happy to know, that those few that like to deride the greatest discipline of all, for whatever reason, be it religious, tall poppy syndrome, delusions of grandeur, or just plain old stubborn stupidity, that they will never really make any worthwhile difference.
I've said it many times, these forums are the only outlets they have, and although then being labeled a "science God worshiper" by the more stubbornly stupid of that brigade for saying that, it obviously is the plain objective truth of the matter. Because the peer review system, rather quickly sorts them out for what and who they are, along with their delusional dreams.