And there are 10 other articles in these sub forums that prove they either don't work or the efficiency is not what that say it is.
For every pro article we can fins at least one or more con articles. Pick your poison.
I don't believe that's true. Well, there might be "articles" or "youtube videos" that make that case. But, there aren't any actual studies that show masks "don't work." In terms of efficiency, that isn't "what they say it is" - there may be debate about how much better they are than no mask, but again, there doesn't appear to be any scientific argument that even cloth masks are "the same as" no mask.
Surgical masks are an improvement over no mask at all, and those seem plentiful. Hough eloquently made that point with citations in a discussion thread, I believe.
With a downside risk that is significant, it seems like taking even small steps to improve the odds is a reasonable choice.
You know... kinda like carrying a handgun when the risk of actually using it is low. Or using seat belts for that matter. Or motorcycle helmets.