Sadly I don't have the skills to evaluate code, or dig into a company's financials. Best I can do is think critically about who in the space is worth trusting based on what they've said and how they say it, and also where/why they clash with others in the space. Its worked for me so far.
Discussion
I agree with you. I'm similar in that I'm limited in what I can directly verify myself. So I listen to the people I respect and make a judgment call. It's the closest to verification that's possible in most situations.
I'm just trying to say that lionizing anyone, no matter how well deserved, can backfire.