Yes I see it very differently, at least in regard to attacks on lists of possible areas of research into quantum gravity. As long as there is no approach that provides an adequate and tested theory then just declaring that all theories except the most studied one are junk is unjustified. If String Theory really provided testable results then it might be more favored among people who are not True Believers, but it doesn't. So until it can then people should be encouraged to try to come up with new ideas that may provide a better description of how the universe works.
So the lists of areas of research into quantum gravity are completely valid. The approaches may not wind up going any where, but listing them is a completely valid exercise and can be useful to people who are not actively working in the field. I assume people who are working in the field already know about the different approaches. Those people can do a better job of evaluating the value of those approaches, and while they are doing it they should always keep in mind that their preferred approach may be wrong. Most scientists at least give lip service to the idea that even settled areas of research may be wrong. In an area that isn't settled they should admit that there is a strong likelihood that they are wrong.
Bill Gill
