However, there is no reason that a notion cannot be opinion and assertion as well as hypothesis. My statement is certainly all of the above. It merely shows that I have great confidence in the hypothesis. In leadership, proven fact is not absolutely required for assertion.
Confidence is required.
Certainty can at times come subjectively even for any of us, as it did for Einstein. Einstein had great confidence and made bold assertion, well before he had clear confirmation of mass bending the space-time geodesic in accordance with the theory of relativity. I am confident that Betty's cases are not only representative, but represent the tip of the iceburg.