it has been my experience that scholars can be silent.... Even when they know....
I found students to be more forthcoming with proofs and evidences..... and are willing to discuss, while scholars may not be willing to....
It what sense do you mean they were silent? You mean you sent them an old email and they haven't responded? Maybe they never got to reach it due to the large amount of emails they get. Or did you question them in public? Maybe them saying that thing will be harmful towards them and so they didn't say it. BUT if you went to them in private and you told them and they remained silent and they didn't give you a reason, then okay, you have an excuse, but that doesn't discredit their nobility.