Based on our understanding of human psychology, despite it being as incomplete as it is, it would seem reasonable to argue that this trend, if it does exist, would not be a binary rule but one whose strength depends upon numerous factors that coincide with how strong the evidence is, how many different experiments create evidence that aligns with the new theory, and how much better the new theory explains existing problems in the data.
If the existing theory predicts results that are 50% off, and the new theory is 45% off in the other direction, then things aren't likely to be accepted. If it is instead 0.1% off, that makes a much stronger argument. The issue with rejecting the first case outright is that often the experiments themselves have imperfections, but those are much slower to work out and refine. When the new theory doesn't need the existing experiments to be refined, I would guess long term experts are much more likely to entertain it.
> depends upon numerous factors that coincide with how strong the evidence is
Might I venture the guess that seeing tangible advantages for oneself when using that new theory is more important? If you adopt it, will you become one or more of more famous, more successful, able to advance your own work, become part of a more reputable group, etc.?
If it is merely something that will not affect you, there is little or no incentive to change one's view.
If the existing theory predicts results that are 50% off, and the new theory is 45% off in the other direction, then things aren't likely to be accepted. If it is instead 0.1% off, that makes a much stronger argument. The issue with rejecting the first case outright is that often the experiments themselves have imperfections, but those are much slower to work out and refine. When the new theory doesn't need the existing experiments to be refined, I would guess long term experts are much more likely to entertain it.