HN is an internet watercooler. It exists for curious conversation. That inevitably includes speculation—that's what people do when they converse. The question is whether it's curious (thoughtful and fresh) or uncurious (reflexive and predictable).
People being wrong is also inevitable. We don't have a truth meter, and there's a ton of uncertainty on topics like this one anyhow. I don't think it would work to try to restrict discussion so that only authoritative opinions are allowed. This community would not tolerate that sort of restriction being put on it, and it would only convert to an argument-by-proxy about who should count as authoritative. The solution, if there is one, is to converse thoughtfully and respond to one another with accurate information where possible.
People being wrong is also inevitable. We don't have a truth meter, and there's a ton of uncertainty on topics like this one anyhow. I don't think it would work to try to restrict discussion so that only authoritative opinions are allowed. This community would not tolerate that sort of restriction being put on it, and it would only convert to an argument-by-proxy about who should count as authoritative. The solution, if there is one, is to converse thoughtfully and respond to one another with accurate information where possible.