That's an interesting comparison, how people analyze and evaluate research and how they do the same with public affairs.
I would have said that the point of research is to find the value and build knowledge, while the point of discussing public affairs is to identify problems to fix.
Thinking about it, I'm not sure the latter can't find things that are constructive. But in either field, the exaggerated, dismissive comments/rants are not just a waste but damaging to progress.
1. Why this blog post study is flawed and dumb
2. America is bad and shameful.