SCIENCE is done through an easy process, it starts first as a hypothesis (in this case, does tying spokes increase performance).
-then trough experimentation that can be recreated in the same environment for the same duration of time (tying the spokes on YOUR BIKE and riding in a particular manner in a particular place. example: daily commute)
-then through observation (comparing the effects of tied vs non tied on the same commute over the course of a year each)
-Lastly coming to conclusions based on said observations.


FAITH is much more simpler for example "this guy Brant says this and he presents it well so I will believe its true". That is what you have done in essence, which is fine I just want to clarify who is coming to the more scientific conclusion and whose conclusions are based more on faith.


BTW You NEVER GLUE SPOKE NIPPLES. EVER. That will keep you from being able to true your rims. you can glue spokes to the hub but not the spokes to the nipples. and yes now we have stronger rims, hubs and spokes but they are costly and some may not be able to afford them. or simply feel they should not let a good set of wheels go to waste simply because the riders is heavy/strong/rides like a madman.