Answer:
I think there is life beyond earth. Actually there most definently is. I think in a way it could be limiting. It's the fcat that the ones out there may not even be able to receive the message as fast as we please. Who knows, it could be years, decades, maybe centuries before they make actual contact with us. Then again, maybe they already have. But, the way this could affect the study is the fact that (I doubt it) but maybe a message could be sent the wrong way, or they misinterpret it. That's the only think I can get off. Anyway, this can also depend on how much funding is going into space. This also brings up the question, "How much do we know about our own planet?