I'm not sure how to answer your question about the critics. Science has always been divided into the mainstream and fringe portions. Just look at the Big Bang Theory. Then you have Eric Lerner and his critique 'The Big Bang Never Happened' in trying to push more support for his Plasma Current Theory of the universe. There are even secular arguments against humans evolving from lower life forms. There are even secular agruments (without religion or Spiritualism) for the existence of the paranormal. I do suspect that many scientists could lose their funding, credibility and support if flaws were found in their theories or research. Not all critics of a mainstream scientific position are motivated by religious propaganda.
I havn't fully researched the issue you brought up here but I will try to read more about this and get back to you on this one when my time permits.