This is an interesting article, though I wouldn't put my stamp of "preposterous" or "impossible" on things that may seem unlikely or outrageous. I'd rather say I don't know whether they are founded or not. Certainly, as you point out, many claims seem insane, fueled by fantasy and delusions, and based on outrageous claims. Quite true. On the other hand there are things that cannot be explained by science or logic. And to recognize this is not the same as claiming that they are real or potent; it's just a matter of not taking a stand either way.
I have never met a psychic who could actually demonstrate powers of predicting the future, though I have come into contact with many over the decades. In fact, all of those I met were just plain wrong. But I haven't ruled out that ESP is not real; I just don't know one way or the other. I have also met several people who claim to be able to speak to, and listen to, communications by animals such as horses, dogs, and cats. If they could talk to my dachshund and he were to tell them what I ate for lunch last Wednesday then I might give the idea some merit. Maybe.
It is safest for me to say that I just don't believe anything unless I know it to be true by way of my own proof. If my own strange experiences are not accepted by others then it doesn't matter to me; I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone.
It just seems that too many people, especially materialists/physicalists, take a hard line against claims that they find absurd or impossible. In some cases it is obvious that a charlatan is at work, but in many cases there are serious, sincere people making claims. Are they crazy? deluded? trying to fool someone? Maybe. I just don't know, and unless they are hurting others in some sort of scam or grift, what's the difference? It seems to me that people obsessed with angels and woo woo are far less dangerous than religious believers; and history is proof of this.
There are many events that sane people have experienced at different times and in different locations that defy scientific explanation. And science lacks the tools to show what such experiences are. It satisfies one's need for security to deny all things not explainable by science as much as it does to make outrageous claims about the supernatural.
