Looks to me less like pseudo-science and more like open speculation. Nothing wrong with that.

Nothing wrong with open speculation at taxpayer's expense? This reminded me of an excellent essay by Michael Crichton on the rampant increase of pseudo science in our society.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122603134258207975.html

I particularly appreciate his debunking of the Drake equation as "science".

The prime directive prevents federation members from interfering with our natural development.