> it has rhetorical impact. You have to wonder 'to what end' they are hoping for with their exposition.

I think the difference between scientific mindset and political mindset is that the former doesn't ask this question or consider it relevant.

> With the Google memo, did they hope to change hiring strategies? Would this have had any real impact on the operations at Google?

Yes, this was kind of the reason this memo was written - and remember, it was written in response to Google soliciting ideas on the topic.

> Did Damore feel that the hiring strategies at the company were having any tangible negative outcomes... if so, he didn't care to mention that. So why then?

Did you read the memo? It's whole text was arguing that diversity efforts at Google are misguided and harmful, and what should be done instead.