The problem with "mask science" is that it isn't possible to set up an ethical control experiment at all, let alone on a large scale (you can hardly order thousands of people to not wear masks for extended periods). All you can do is observe as best you can what people are actually doing or not doing, in their own sweet, uncontrolled ways without oversight from scientists, but even then, your observations aren't able to lead to safe conclusions. For example, if you observe that in one area more people wear masks than in another area, and that the case numbers per capita are lower in that area, it would be unsafe to conclude that the lower numbers were the result of masking up. Just think of all the other variables that get in the way. And think of the stuff I've said about case rates and mask compulsion during the UK's pandemic experience.

I don't argue against masks, but I do argue against compulsion. The evidence we do have may be seen as leaning in favour of masks, but not enough to make masks compulsory. BWM and pfr argue for personal choice. So do I.