History, particularly recent history, is riddled with voices of reason saying something like, "You've interpreted the problem incorrectly. What you're suggesting is a step in the wrong direction. Let's do what we know has worked in the past." And guess what? Even when the voices of reason are proved to have been right, are they retroactively vindicated? Not at all. Unfortunately, not at all.
When Ric and staff does find the smoking gun, even though Ric thoroughly, thoroughly documented what went wrong and how they could have probably found her while still alive. It will simply be reported that, "Well, too bad the original searchers didn't know what we know now. Yes, Ric and TIGHAR have stumbled upon the remains." I believe Ric and TIGHAR will get well earned and deserved recognition, but I don't believe the extent of the failure of the original bumbled search will be revealed.