  Quantum mechanics notoriously faces the measurement problem, the problem that
if read thoroughly, it implies the nonexistence of definite outcomes in
measurement procedures. A plausible reaction to this and to related problems is
to regard a system's quantum state $|\psi\rangle$ merely as an indication of
our lack of knowledge about the system, i.e., to interpret it epistemically.
However, there are radically different ways to spell out such an epistemic view
of the quantum state. We here investigate recent developments in the branch
that introduces hidden variables $\lambda$ in addition to the quantum state
$|\psi\rangle$ and has its roots in Einstein's views. In particular, we
confront purported achievements of a concrete model that has been considered to
serve as evidence for an epistemic view of the envisioned kind, as well as
specific no-go results and their import. It will be argued that while an
epistemic account of the particular kind is not straightforwardly ruled out by
the no-go results, they demonstrate that the evidential character of the
model(s) discussed rests on a rather shaky foundation, and that they make some
achievements widely recognized in the literature appear worthy of doubt.
