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I'd like to reply to part of that. Imagine a meeting of experts on any subject. They are not carrying around secondary works but have published articles and have long lists of primary sources and their locations. As is the case with all such material, there are words and references peculiar to whatever it is. Now imagine adding a roomful of teenagers with some ** limited ** knowledge of the subject and their being told they can contribute to something called Wikipedia. Their youthful enthusiasm propels them to vigorously start typing away, using whatever they have read and have at hand. So you have a lot of tonnage but most of it should be directed to a landfill as opposed to actually being published.

There is no such thing as "modern" research. The U.S. National Archives releases formerly classified material every quarter. The title headings for such releases are a testimony to vague wording. Some researchers have acquired the material and turned it into printed history. What was classified has been declassified, or is now unclassified. Those who do actual research can add to the historical record - accurately. Other material is still classified.