Since when is relying on facts, figured, numbers, and what we read in books a bad thing? What else are you going to go off of? The formation of magic crystals? A fortune teller? Fox News? It doesn't make any sense. It's important to think critically when looking at facts and figures, to make sure that they are not skewed, but other than they are our best allies. If you follow the numbers, you follow truth.
Gut feelings don't work when dealing with millions of people. There's no way one person's point of view can reflect the needs of an entire population. Data is needed, as well as the input of diverse people. That's why a room full of white guys can't possibly serve the needs of everyone, especially if they are ignoring statistics, or using statistics that only favor themselves.