I understand your position. I don't think speculation is the root of the problem. I think it is the lack of care in distinguishing speculation from fact. Questioning mainstream narratives is healthy. There should never be zero questioning, according to the scientific method and my belief. There is a level of questioning that is ridiculous, but it is not universally unhealthy. It depends on context.

It might be dangerous if multiple seemingly credible and seemingly authoritative people make it into an institution that is responsible for decisionmaking over millions of people. And where speculation is elevated to presumption of fact without adequate evidence for doing so, it may not be ideal. But those who allow their fears to bring them to the point they are willing to censor others have jumped the shark. (fallacy of addressing what could be, rather than what is).

The construct 'social danger,' therefore, is the danger itself. To allow one's mind to carry a receptacle otherwise unlabeled into which another's actions can be placed, which then allow for otherwise unjustifiable force against them, is folly.