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Science must, of necessity (in order to be science), in my opinion, be rigorous in logic and models (whether mathematical or otherwise).

We definitely agree on this.

science is not just about what we know, but what we don't know and our continual rechecking (read: New observations/experiments), and healthy self doubt, over what we think we already know.

I also agree. That's the very first thing e.g. Descarte's philosophy is about : teaching how to doubt.

An overuse of "science as ultimate authority" is, in my opinion, detrimental to science.

Difficult to disagree on this...

So, yes, the public (as well as scientists) need to know more of what science is and what it is not: The extremes need to be "banished".

This is the classical problem with extremes: on the one hand, you have to respect their (e.g. free speech) rights, in spite of your knowledge that because they cheat the rules in many respects, they are more efficient than you (as far as convincing people is concerned).

On the other hand, while sticking to your own, more difficult (but more creative and real) standard, you must find a way to defeat them.

we like the idea of being considered "authorities" and/or "saviors" (of mankind, say)

As far as salvation by means of science is concerned, this is precisely where the hard problem is: having the right technology is necessary in such cases where science can help, but it is not sufficient, because how to use, as well as what to do with the technology is NOT the job of the scientists: it's the job of the people. On the other hand, it is definitely related to our jobs, and there is definitely something that the practice of science teaches us, including being humble, as you say. But having the pride of stating that yes, there are appropriate uses of science which can change the world for the better, and that we work for this, rather than e.g., for building tools for enforcing power on others and undermining the very roots of our civilization, this pride remains ours (although it's not very often voiced these days in the public debates, IMHO).

Henri