I have no idea who and how performed studies, so it is not impossible to imagine if you don't really understand the process you can't use the tools properly and results will be questionable. I did research the topic probably ten or more years before I dared to write an app. At least 60% of the success is depending on how you phrase the message, so if it is not respecting mechanic you can flash messages all day long with no results. There is also _a lot_ depending on how you present the message -- if you are curious you can download app trial and check settings. Don't use the app, just see what options are there.
> I'm sorry that asking for rigorous science sounds like being righteous to you.
Righteous as in "church claims earth is flat, this guy disagrees, let's burn him". It is perfectly fine if you expect official dogma to tell you if something produces results -- please wait for that then.
Out of curiosity, you _are_ aware that all major players use subliminal messages in their commercials? Or not? If you know about that, why would they use them that way if there is no effect? If you don't know about that why we discuss the topic then?
> I am not taking anybody's hard earned money with empty promises. You are.
You really have no idea if they are empty, right?