I definitely misunderstood. Not an uncommon experience for me. I do think many scientists have entertained the possibility of meaningful coincidences (defined as you define them). However, as you point out, none have designed or run experiments that take this possibility seriously. It may be partly historical as you suggest but I think it is mainly practical. There is simply no way any scientist could conceivably hope to obtain funding for a research program that took that position. In fact it could very easily be a career ending mistake to even try.