You described the poke and hope method science has always been. Rightfully so, for there are future discoveries that will revise our understanding of the foundations of reality. This is always how it has been and will be this way until we know more than 1% of our reality. Knowledge is not worthy of worship because it is vastly incomplete and largely in err for that reason.
Science is entertaining and despite us, sometimes helpful.
You have made my point for me. We are forced to make so many assumptions, that to speak without disclaimers is foolish. The big problem with sciences credibility is people are tired of the "Expert studies tell us", or " a scientific study reveals", only to be totally discredited with the next study.
I find science entertaining, and in no way wish to do away with it. However, investing ones worldview in it is the retardation of the modern mind. Any rational mind can discern its flawed promises. Having a cell phone and a laptop does not inject a person into the class of our Founders. Their character is what made them great, based on sound Biblical principals like no other group of men in history.
When you realize the majority of expert scientists are clowns, you will have moved a long way toward growing as a person.
To extrapolate: the curricula some day, with the compromise hammered out with the ACLU will consist of 1/2 day evolution 1/2 day gay studies.
Utter hogwash.