If Madeleine has indeed been kidnapped the only hope for finding her would be that someone sees a child that looks like her and reports it. I doubt if anyone would wish them to keep quite just in case it might turn out to be a false sighting.

That was one of the things that caused the parents conflict, they had to weigh up what would do the most good but cause the least harm. Perhaps hoping that someone sees a child that looks like her even if it does waste police time gives the best outcome for the child. Who knows?

Clearly you and I will have to disagree on what is offensive and what is not. Perhaps you are more sensitive than I am - who knows? However, we are both allowed our opinions!