Mastering Genealogical Proof teaches family historians and genealogists how to reconstruct the relationships and lives …
The Genealogical Proof Standard, although not intended to guide research planning, offers a yardstick for measuring completed research's credibility. Consequently, "reasonably exhaustive" applies to end products, not plans. Planning research is good practice, but a plan, no matter how extensive, might not lead to proof.
— Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones (Page 76)
This is smart for me to remember. I often try to make a "reasonably exhaustive" research plan.