In this case, if the effect involved is real, it is real without being understood. Just like electricity was not understood. Just because all the answers aren't there doesn't make the effect any less valid or newsworthy. It's a narrow view to take.
And as far as what the inventor won't tell us, sure. But the story is that someone else has recreated similar measurements using what is known about the setup. Potentially a big deal.
"this article is terrible and should never have been published in any reputable news source. These claims of being "verified" or "replicated" are completely false, not least of which because there aren't any claims as to what is going on the first place."
Now, that last bit could be interpreted as you interpreted it, but I think he was commenting specifically on this claim. This claim which has been out there for years.
This is not like electricity or some other phenomenon which is not yet understand, but whose effects can be replicated in laboratories around this globe. This is a snake oil peddler with a secret black box. No one can replicate it, no one can study it.
> This is a snake oil peddler with a secret black box
Perhaps, but you say that with no actual proof other than speculation and an a priori belief that it cannot be true. Is that much better than reporting on a phenomenon that is not yet understood.
Personally I think if there's a scam it may be that Rossi overstates how stable or viable his technology is. I think the phenomenon is probably real and not yet explained, just based on the number of groups that are working on this for considerable time now. Instead of blowing over, there are more and more groups starting work on it as the years have gone by.