Well, look at how Newtonian physics has been supplanted by Relativity. For most purposes the old way still works fine, but there are very minute differences from Newtons theory in observations that Relativity has explained.
While the orbital positions of things is not very different, the ontological conception of the universe is radically and utterly different between the old and new theories.
Also, there are plenty of scientists that do have things to hide. From the lowliest graduate student whose motivation might just be a crush on his adviser, to government agencies concealing $billion liabilities, or creating whole new industries of grants, to push propaganda, politics, corruption, and science are all too friendly.
Skepticism is the basis for science, and certainty is the basis for religion. Every theory we now think is right is wrong. Maybe only a little bit wrong, but maybe the next theory will completely turn things on their heads - again.
Sure we should base our decisions on science and research that we can repeat and verify, but we better also question those who say they did the research, and do it again, particularly for issues that more deeply impact us.
There are no guarantees of better answers, but the answers we have are wrong anyway. To think otherwise is hubris. Do the best we can to know, but at the same time recognize that certainty is the height of folly. Humility is the proper and reasonable companion of skepticism.