that's not the point. saying left-handed people make 20% more than right-handed people is equally (if not much more) dubious.

you can't argue that someone's references are possibly fabricated, and then support your own point with your own "scientific" reference.

really it comes down to: if you ever find yourself arguing that someone's references are likely wrong because they are in the humanities... well...that's a conversation ender.

and i have a phd in math. believe me sometimes humanities people rub me the wrong way. but i would never make a general statement like that, and especially not to "prove a point."

it's the refuge of a scoundrel.