I suppose it would be for control. You know, "Scientists have derived these aliens, you couldn't possibly observe yourself, are going to annihilate us all. They believe the aliens will spare us if everyone wears a neon green codpiece to show the aliens we want peace with them. You don't get the freedom to endanger others by choosing to not wear your codpiece. Scientists are the experts on this you must not question them."

However, I guess they don't need more control at this point. I'm probably also stretching to find something else to discuss than the current prevailing topics here.