That's an interesting take, but it overlooks the fact that scientists need to communicate their research to the public, and using language like "more [adjective] than previously thought" helps to emphasize the importance of the new discoveries and the progress made in the field. Without these kinds of headlines, research that makes small but significant advances might be overlooked. So, while urrong about the public humiliation aspect, it does provide an effective way to communicate the significance of scientific progress.
