And yes, that's how truth is uncovered and progress is made: in an adversarial manner between two or more conflicting interests. "Losers" have an interest to become inquisitive, whereas "winners" have no interest other than their moral principles(?!). You should thank the "losers" in history for the progress made because of their inquisitive nature. Those ridiculing their statements may have a lot to lose in the long run.

Does that mean that we should be thanking the Confederacy? After all, they lost the civil war. How about the segregationists? They lost the civil right battle. Should we be thanking them? How about the Nazis? Should we also be thanking them?