Cast doubt on it. All major stories should go through a process similar to a rigorous cross-examination. Stories don't need advocates. They have plenty of advocates by the time publication nears. What stories need are adversaries.
Stories develop a life of their own.
We need to become involved in their lives right from the start because that's when most of the important development happens. Reporters and sub-editors become advocates of stories very early in the process, and are a powerful force in the decision to publish. If skeptics aren't built into the process right from the start, stories will slide onto Page One without the proper scrutiny. If stories hold up on the witness stand, under the rigorous cross-examination of tough editors, they will hold up under any assault. The benefit of a designated devil's advocate is that it provides an opportunity for someone who wants to disagree with the group.