Intel also used (b), in "Copy Exactly!", including seemingly irrelevant details. They also tried to work out why it worked... but didn't let not knowing stop them from using it. In science, experimental results often precede theory anyway (and indeed incite it).

Reading the article, it struck me that simple geographical factors might also influence success rates: e.g. weather (humidity being a CF treatment), genetic factors in that population, socio-economic factors (esp. time and effort available for the intensive care required).

BTW I like to think that's not a typo for Noone, but a US colloquialism paralleling "God knows why" but instead referencing Daniel Boone.