Thanks for the thoughtful article on this subject. While I am extremely skeptical about any reports of "aliens" arriving near Earth, I am a big proponent of programs to try to identify possible signs of life (microbial or otherwise) in the Universe.

I will believe that an alien reached Earth as soon as we learn exactly where the alien came from, exactly how they were transported here, exactly how long the journey took, and exactly how much was required for the project in terms of energy and resources. Until I understand those parameters, I will have to assume everything else is just fantasy --- another Bigfoot.