Logic trap

The research councils assert that "excellent research without obvious or immediate impact will not be disadvantaged" ("Petition decries 'impact' agenda in research", 11 June). But funds are limited, and you cannot advantage some without disadvantaging others. If the statement is true, it implies either that the "impact" sections on grant applications serve no purpose, or that some less-than-excellent applied research will be funded. Which is it?

David Voas, Manchester.