 Says:  " "The viewpoints of saintly Torah authorities should never ever be subjected to ridicule."  Because ridicule might lead people to actually think about those views, rather than accept them blindly based on their having been espoused by "saintly Torah authorities." The ultimate denigration of an opinion is to place it above criticism-- it's nothing more than an admission that the opinion is not capable of surviving on its own merits. If a "saintly" authority's views can't stand a little humor, then one has to seriously question our views of sainthood. "  Mamesh apikorsus & kefira. If a Gadol says it, it is true just by virtue of his saying it. He doesn't have to prove squat to you. He didn't become a recognized Gadol by making up things. He has already earned his authority. If he says day is night, then you daven maariv. The end. 