The first three paragraphs you wrote very succinctly and obviously summarize the fundamental flaw of our modern science - that it can't make leaps, at all.
There is no leap of faith in science but there is science that requires such leaps.
We are stuck bc those most capable of comprehending concepts they don't understand and are unexplainable - they won't allow themselves to even develop a vague understanding of such concepts. The scientific method is their trusty hammer and their faith in it renders all that isn't a nail unscientific.
Admitting that they don't kno enough would be akin to societal suicide of their current position - the deciders of what is or isn't true, so I don't expect them to withhold their conclusions til they are more able to.
They are the "priest class" now ;)
I agree with your humble opinion - there is much more we could learn if that was our intent and considering the potential of this, I think we absolutely ought to make certain that we do everything in our power to attain the best possible outcomes of these current and future developments.
Transparent and honest collaboration for the betterment of humanity is the only right path to an AGI god - to oversimplify a lil bit.
Very astute, well formulated position, presented in accessible language and with humility even!
Well done.