[aerohead]

The tip-off is in the first sentence.
' hypothesize'
People are curious, and scientists need to consider all mechanisms which might explain some phenomena.
It doesn't mean that any causality has been established.
History is full of 'hypotheses' which turned out to establish no causation in connection to their field of study.
They are a way to get Ph.D. though.
As long as one can logically argue their premises in front of a jury, it demonstrates capabilities the post-docs are seeking, whether 'right' or 'wrong,' it doesn't matter.