If it be replied that the work of, say, Newton or Darwin was essential in getting us to our current perspective wherein we have a hope of intelligently tackling this problem, might the same not hold true in yet unknown ways for string theorists? And what of Michelangelo, Beethoven, and indeed science fiction?

String theorists are at least somewhat plausible, but Michelangelo and Beethoven? Do you have any evidence that they actually helped the sciences progress? I've asked the same question in the past, and have not been able to adduce any evidence worth a damn. (Science fiction, at least, can try to justify itself as good propaganda.)