Goose, everything you're saying is correct and it's exactly how the FDA functions. I think the crux of the opposing argument is that we're in the midst of a global pandemic killing tens of thousands of lives, so maybe the FDA should be more flexible when they *know* LL is safe and there's strong evidence that it likely works.
In 2011, your approach would be reasonable.
In 2021, it's immoral.
It's akin to the FAA, after being given compelling evidence that 9/11 was about to happen, asking for 6 more months of intel work on Al-Qaeda, and research into the vulnerability of cockpit doors. In short, there isn't time. Lives are at stake.