That’s certainly a possibility
No it is not a mistake to speculate with some base but not enough evidences, as that is the nature of speculation, or giving a benefit of doubt, which was all I did.
It would have been a mistake if I strongly argued for Northwestern’s decision on Stevens’s career and barring her. without enough supporting evidences. Of course I wouldn’t do such things.
It is your speculation and you have all the right to hold on to it until evidences prove otherwise. I wouldn’t argue against anyone’s personal opinion, unless it involves misrepresentation of a fact or faulty logic.