Elucidation
Think of the goal.
If the goal is to resolve an issue, then relatively small differences in details can be accepted on the way to understanding the larger concepts.
IF the goal is to not admit an issue, then the smaller details become THE issue.
The effect of Man on global warming is an example. The true believers pick at the details, and don't USE THEIR GODDAMNED BRAINS (to paraphrase one of them), and one will never have to deal with the issue.
OJs defense was a perfect example of this. Pick on details, and overlook the obvious issue.
True Believers are notoriously good at this. Because the agenda is to try to not lose arguments. The realities are irrelevant.
Arf