What is the generally accepted view of scientists regarding the authenticity of Homo floresiensis?

Question

With the evidence that has been discovered so far, is it considered to be a separate species, or only a diseased human specimen? Is a concensus starting to develop towards one view or the other?

Answer 1

Consenses generally are slow to develop. Last I heard, which has about 8 months ago, there was still rather heated debate on the subject. One of my professors actually wrote a critique of the original work. He concludes that the specimens are abnormal humans, not a different species. He notes some examples of asymmetry, among other things.

Another issue that clouds this is the popularization of finding a new species, these specimens in particular. It doesn't help matters that these guys are being called "Hobbits" and such.