One thing that recommends the findings as true is that bird-like DNA makes sense in the light of what we already know. If human-like DNA had been found, for example, it would have seemed impossible.

Not that it would have required any less investigation.

My point, though, as SJ already knows, is that gut-level appeal and sheer plausibility don't rule out error or make a finding true. More study is needed to make preserved dino DNA a fact. We'll see.