"Sacred cow" is among the closest I feel, so far — it has some baggage from being more metaphorical than a neutral and scientific-sounding term, but that's not necessarily a downside. People do get offended when their "sacred cows" are figuratively tipped over, even if they haven't investigated whether such a proverbial cow is of quality stock at present.
Also reminds me of its use in this book: https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Cows-Truth-Divorce-Marriage/dp/1626813612
"Bandwagon effect" is also a great term, one I had forgotten about but is certainly apt. Sometimes you gotta burn your bandwagons and let your sacred cows roam free. :)
Thank you, if I don't see a term that's even closer, I may just go with that.