Here's the data. Analysis is an exercise left to the reader?
I guess what I'm trying to point out here is that while collecting data does take up most of the bulk of the work, data is meaningless without analysis and direction to inform further gathering. That's why the field of study called statistics exists. It's not just about academia points.
On the same vein, the reader should be critical of the analysis; it should not be taken as accepted truth. And the writer should try to predict and address criticisms.
I would agree with you when the analysis is correct. However, no analysis is better than a wrong analysis, especially in cases where politicians may use the studies to pass laws that may hurt citizens. Remeber the whole Reinhart And Rogoff ordeal.
