The Big Bang Effect

[AlwaysInnocent]

I agree that theories should be kept as simple as possible, but the Big Bang Theory is a bad example, since it is actually supported by evidence. A better example would be string theory, which does assume a lot for mathematical consistency, e.g., assuming the existence of extra dimensions.

Why not call them "bloated theories" or something?

[AlwaysInnocent]

By the way, sometimes it is useful to assume things. For example, you could consider two or more possible worlds (each determined by some assumptions) and compare them to determine the world to be the most plausible. If the situation is simple enough, this can even be exhaustive.