There is optimism in skepticism. The whole idea is that by being cautious, vigilant, and questioning one will make the right decisions. They will be safe. They will get to go home tonight. But it does take work to be skeptical.
Skepticism takes energy, constant evaluation, and constant analysis.
Cynicism is a coping mechanism that allows us to deal with the immense amount of stress and work it takes to be skeptical. Cynicism is easier than skepticism. But nowhere near as effective. Cynicism is as dangerous for cops as it was for scrooge. But here we are preparing for Christmas, perhaps one of the most sincere non-cynical times of the year.