"...arguments I've put forward about scientific uncertainty (what DO scientists do with recalcitrant data?),the limits of science etc..."

Science is not supposed to be about absolute certainty. Mathematics is...sorta...and logic is in some ways (testing internal consistency of syllogisms)...but science merely keeps refining tests and examining theories to SEE if they merit acceptance. Naturally, one set of researchers can get different results using different tests, but this leads (or should) to newly designed tests.

'Some' tests are physical...like chemistry or physics or botany or astronomy does....measurement of light in various spectrums, etc. (lots of work on 'black holes' going on these days which is 5% measurement, and 95% speculation). But some tests are statistical and logical. Obviously, *IF* certain claims in astrology were demonstrably true, it would be of great benefit...even to science...to help humans sort out issues of competence, fitness, awareness, predictibility...etc.

The problem we have had with various tests of astrological claims is that, for every set of claims of 'success' it is way too easy to find counter-examples and flaws which make the idea of **depending** on the claims quite awkward. It is possible to learn a lot about 'character' by examining folks behavior and tendencies...attention allows more awareness....but to claim either 'influence' or 'predictibility' based on the positions of astronomical entities is a pretty serious step, and one that SHOULD be tested....not just by hearsay and belief, but by some dependable method; and as I ask above, what IS this method, if not science? (My assertion, as before, is that if a good test is found, it is, by definition, science.

If someone finally states.."well, it has not been proved wrong, and I shall continue to give it credence until it IS proved wrong", there is little I can say. Someone can assert and believe that elves come out at night and tend the flowers in their garden, but I'm sure YOU can...and likely would...suggest some tests to find out. And that would BE science. If they assert that the elves are invisible and never allow themselves to be seen, you finally just shrug. If someone INTENDS to believe, he will find reasons...good or bad.