There are a couple related issues at hand. I agree that hedging and weasel phrases are an issue. It's too easy to write content-free noise. The classic example in my mind is someone trying to sound "deep" who makes a statement like "Sometimes X..." without saying anything about how to identify such times out what to do about them. However, when this is a problem, it's one of not enough precision, not too much. The goal is to try to write a statement that fits all possible evidence, and so can't be proven wrong, ignoring that it's useless for the same reason.
Defensive writing, on the other hand, is generally a good thing. Precision and careful logic are essential in writing. We don't have the benefit of physical emotional cues. Common sense isn't common, and even if it was there are so many perspectives on the web that you at least need to be thinking about the potential for misunderstanding. You need to try to head off trivial or otherwise unproductive avenues of debate. These are all responsibilities of conscientious communicators. And if you find yourself using a lot of vague language, it's probably better not to say anything. Any other policy is willfully contributing to the proliferation of BS on the web.
Reality is messy so sometimes you have to use imprecise language to describe it. In that case, it may be helpful to try to precisely specify how imprecise you mean to be, or use some other more specific phrase than "sometimes X" or "sort of Y". If it needs to be said, you can usually find a way to add more information.
Defensive writing, on the other hand, is generally a good thing. Precision and careful logic are essential in writing. We don't have the benefit of physical emotional cues. Common sense isn't common, and even if it was there are so many perspectives on the web that you at least need to be thinking about the potential for misunderstanding. You need to try to head off trivial or otherwise unproductive avenues of debate. These are all responsibilities of conscientious communicators. And if you find yourself using a lot of vague language, it's probably better not to say anything. Any other policy is willfully contributing to the proliferation of BS on the web.
Reality is messy so sometimes you have to use imprecise language to describe it. In that case, it may be helpful to try to precisely specify how imprecise you mean to be, or use some other more specific phrase than "sometimes X" or "sort of Y". If it needs to be said, you can usually find a way to add more information.