Gaon: Sorry, I should have been more specific. I did not mean that we actually ARE paskening from archeology. And, yes, I noticed that DY’s post was the correct form of rebuttal. What I was trying to say is that arguing against the Chabadniks by ONLY saying “they’ve now found coins etc. with round branches” is falling right into their trap.
Litvish: I don’t disagree with your points. And our experiences are very similar. Weirdly enough, I very recently saw that same Belz article you referenced and the comments (and it’s not a recent article I don’t think). The point is, if a less learned arbitrator saw this thread, they might think, “hm, those Litvaks really are antagonistic towards Chabad, and they really do attribute signifigance to the arch of Titus over the Rambam.”