" did you ask them if they know the starting conditions of samples, conditions throughout, and if they are sure there was no gain or loss during unobserved time.

Why, no... but in science they ask each other! Anyone who falsifies data or makes silly conclusions is eventually (usually sooner) called to task. And I can read the results and compare their conclusions. That is quite different from debating 'intent' of ancient scribes and wondering where they got their information. I ask about recent scholars, because some of them might have done more reading of ancient Hebrew than I have. *grin*

And I just looked up Jmaes Barr.. very interesting. He had personal opinions about linguistics, as you suggest, but his theology went in several directions..

"He was also an outspoken critic of conservative evangelicalism, which he attacked in his 1977 book Fundamentalism. In particular he criticized evangelical scholars such as J. I. Packer for affirming the doctrine of scriptural inerrancy, the teaching that the Bible is without error. "

hmmmm