  General relativity can be tested by comparing the binary-inspiral signals
found in LIGO--Virgo data against waveform models that are augmented with
artificial degrees of freedom. This approach suffers from a number of logical
and practical pitfalls. 1) It is difficult to ascribe meaning to the stringency
of the resultant constraints. 2) It is doubtful that the Bayesian model
comparison of relativity against these artificial models can offer actual
validation for the former. 3) It is unknown to what extent these tests might
detect alternative theories of gravity for which there are no computed
waveforms; conversely, when waveforms are available, tests that employ them
will be superior.
