-- as long as we play by the same scientific rules -- this is good (and WHY it is important to be broadly inclusive in skepticism, BTW). The conclusion is less important than the process. This is the core of skepticism. An added "+" as a symbol for something "taken further" should be reasonably clear. And even the intellectually and linguistically impoverished people of "1984? were portrayed as being able to understand "double plus whatever". The fact that (a certain kind of) nerd can see, where "A++" came from, would be just an added treat. Sure, we shouldn't make people take an entry exam. But we shouldn't treat them as idiots, either. Consider me another atheist guy with all the privileges who is a feminist (and trans, gay, minority) ally. I think you're right about the last loud gasp of a dying group. This is also what I think about all the amendments passing to disenfranchise homosexuals. The people in power can get it done, but they only feel the need to do it because they can smell the change coming. And dudes, you can still get laid without resorting to sexual harassment. In fact, I think it improves your chances. The humanist viewpoint that women are fully human, is a reason-based conclusion. Skepticism about the truth and moral validity of old biases about women has done great work in blunting their effect. The benefit of making more minds available for important civilization building work is being reaped even now.