[Goose]

more transparency about the evidence and reasoning supporting the change would help. Is there any valid reason for lack of transparency? (could it have to do with long wait times to get the results, due to an embarrassing shortage of testing capacity 6 months into the pandemic?) The lack of transparency lends credence to the "political influence" theory.

FWIW, the FDA isn't the one responsible for the lack of testing. Not their job, even a little bit. Lack of transparency is the hallmark of the FDA. There are many reasons for this, some good, some not so good. However, asking the FDA for "transparency" is like asking a priest for transparency of the confessional.

[Goose]

more transparency about the evidence and reasoning supporting the change would help. Is there any valid reason for lack of transparency? (could it have to do with long wait times to get the results, due to an embarrassing shortage of testing capacity 6 months into the pandemic?) The lack of transparency lends credence to the "political influence" theory.

FWIW, the FDA isn't the one responsible for the lack of testing. Not their job, even a little bit. Lack of transparency is the hallmark of the FDA. There are many reasons for this, some good, some not so good. However, asking the FDA for "transparency" is like asking a priest for transparency of the confessional.