An alternate explanation was that it was a "marketable" claim.
Plaque was selected as CAUSAL pathway b/c it fit with what people wanted to believe, they could see it.
Marketable to shareholders and news outlets, and able to create the illusion that Big Pharma was honestly trying to make people better rather than what was actually going on, the treatment of symptoms regardless of long term harm and lack of efficacy.
Nidan, speaking as someone from outside the medical community I just want to, once again, thank you for being able to articulate your thoughts into well-written words. I remember having a conversation with a highly regarded business consultant years ago and he said "Look most people know intuitively what I am talking about I am just able to communicate in a way that validates what you are thinking is correct". Many of your posts do just that and it is appreciated. TY and GLTA.