Another argument: in future, scientists will be able to chart every particle of mud and every molecule adhering to the potsherds. Taking them now, by even the most meticulous and 'responsible' methods, prevent future archaeologists from scanning them properly Star-Trek fashion. So today's 'scientists' will be viewed as pot-hunters in the future.

I say, do what you can with what you have now. Because ultimately you should do nothing, against the day you could do better.