DW "the number, which has now been part of the public consciousness for more than 50 years, would never have continued to be cited if it did not mirror the scholarly tallies"
I would rather say that this number mirrors the control of media and of the political establishment by a lobby. I take it as a proof the fact that any differing opinion, whatever the solid arguments it is founded on, is banned, without any discussion, and its proponent is ostracised.