Even "expert opinions" are just that, opinions! Also, I don't think that being paid for your opinion necessarily makes you an expert! In fact, I'm leary of paid opinions, after all, they do have to keep the sponsors happy! Take Jackie Bushman for example, he is THE "Buckmaster!" I seriously doubt that he could hunt his way out of a half mile square woodlot, with Intersate highways on all four sides!
I wouldn't even trustgood hunting/gun magazines likeNRA's Rifleman. When is the last time you read a bad report in a magazine? Listening to a paid opinion is no different than listening to a salesman giving his pitch!
If it's research that you are doing before buying something, I'd look up as many forums as possible on the particular subject. Even then, some folks have personal prejudices. But at least you can get many reviews and average them out!
As for Hawks, his site has some good information. As someone else said "you have to separate the wheat from the chaff!"