Both Velikovsky (alternate solar model) and Hapgood (rapid pole shifts) are looking at evidence that has been swept under the rug and ignored by the mainstream scientists because it doesn't fit their models.
Hapgood and Velikovsky are trying to find a NEW model that does include the excluded evidence without invalidating the orthodox evidence.
I am appreciating Einstein more all the time. He seems to have lent his considerable support to those who think outside the box while staying somewhat near true facts. Einstein himself did that with stupendous success and being thoughtful and reflective apparently knew he did that. He had the confidence that can come with such success to want to encourage others. I still hope we can overcome his Relativity and also improve on his photon.