I understand that there are some things that we will never, ever know; and I understand that new information pops up all the time that changes our understanding and interpration of things but within reason the person should know how to find an answer IF it's out there and accessible.

When people come here and ask a question I don't know the answer to, I check our library and look online for the answer. If that doesn't get it, I go to folks such as Bryan or other people I think might know the answer or where to get it. At that point if I still don't know, then I still don't know and I tell the patron. I don't go down without swinging.

I have heard a question asked of a "historian" at a historic site before that didn't know an answer, and the person flat out stumbled around and made one up and I guess that's my point. If (s)he doesn't know it, make an effort to find it and then if you still don't know then you don't know. But damn sure don't make it up.