There really isn't a lot going on here. They're trying to simplify the model, but running into issues with the small sample size.
Many papers tend to use overly dense speech, and a lot of it seems to be self-congratulatory on the part of the authors. On the one hand, they're addressing their small audience at the forefront of their particular field. But on the other, they do appear to take pride in their prowess with academic gesticulating.
It's the exact opposite of Bezos' recommendation to write simple and to try not to sound smart [1]. There's a way to be precise without it being impenetrable. Unfortunately, those writing the primary literature sometimes enjoy their special cathedrals. And at the end of the day, they're not writing this stuff for the layperson. It's a shame, though, especially with regard to publicly-funded research.
Many papers tend to use overly dense speech, and a lot of it seems to be self-congratulatory on the part of the authors. On the one hand, they're addressing their small audience at the forefront of their particular field. But on the other, they do appear to take pride in their prowess with academic gesticulating.
It's the exact opposite of Bezos' recommendation to write simple and to try not to sound smart [1]. There's a way to be precise without it being impenetrable. Unfortunately, those writing the primary literature sometimes enjoy their special cathedrals. And at the end of the day, they're not writing this stuff for the layperson. It's a shame, though, especially with regard to publicly-funded research.
[1] https://medium.com/@writerbites/how-to-write-like-jeff-bezos...