I think this overestimates our ability to establish a solid "rule" when it comes to a complex social phenomenon.

It's so reductionist to think that complex systems can be boiled down to simple, all-encompassing explanations. This has failed over and over, from nutrition to economics. And yet people of all political persuasions still want to argue that "the REAL problem is Y" and claim smug superiority over anyone who disagrees.

I agree. Although to be fair, I think there is somewhat of a difference between saying "your experience is valid, though it may be an outlier" vs discounting the experience altogether.

Well it can't be often if it's exceptional.