However did we get any objective data out of government studies?
Government agencies have more resources than almost anyone except major private universities, who get quite a bit of their money from ...drumroll, please... the government!
If the scientists conducting the research adhere to their professional ethics, and are subject to outside review, there's no reason to think that the source of the money will impede their ability to follow the guidelines of their research project.
If other organizations are interested in underwriting their own research, fine. No one will stop them. The guidelines and protocols must be the same or better, though.