... were claiming knowledge of something they did not personally witness.

I am that casual observer, not really one to dwell on hypothetical poopy talk.

"What we have"? There is no "we" in this situation. I know what "I" have. I have served as a VP supporting 3 world-class CEOs in multi-billion dollar enterprises involving a wide array of products and technology. I know competence when I see it. I tend to discount the opinions of others who haven't been there.