Isn't physics in the same situation? The theory is useful for countless applications but is ultimately flawed, and researchers are aware of that, of course. But we don't hear it every time there is a new application of physics. Why should the ultimate high standard be invoked so often in discussion only for ML? Other fields like psychology or economics are probably in an even worse position with their theories vs the reality.

ML is an empirical science, or a craft if you want, with useful applications. It's not the ultimate theory of intelligence.