"heck even if a recording has someone saying "I see a UFO", is not evidence, it's hearsay."

This are all Military officials that take care of the nations air space , these are not just random people , they are trained officers who can distinguish a ufo from say a fighter plane or the like. So , it's incredible that you would refute the arguments of government officials , the same people who'se opinions you seem to always hold in very high reguard , and only because their testimony disagrees with your believes.

"that since we only know of ONE sentiant lifeform, we should search on the parameters we KNOW lead to life"

Well we need to find a way to get to the other planets first , then we will see if there is life or there isnt.