> Do we always need non anecdotal data to support every assertion that we make?

When the claim is that remote work is a mistake and that its era came to an end... Yes. It's an exceptional claim, and exceptional claims demand exceptional data. Otherwise we should call it bullshit.

> but the argument that there's no utility in face to face meetings is just as meritless.

Probably. I do prefer remote work, and I favor working for companies that allow me to stay remote.

But I think there's place to companies that prefer to work in office, and people that prefer to work in the same physical space as their colleagues.

This balanced take doesn't seem to be very popular, however. I wonder why.