I think that's a classic case of reading between the lines and making implications where one shouldn't. If I'm using words that state uncertainty, it is because I am not certain, but only say it is a possibility. A research result that shows there is a correlation is already interesting without establishing or confirming causation. Their wording is exactly saying that. Without that paper we wouldn't even know there is a correlation!
How else would you like them to state that without being overly verbose?
How else would you like them to state that without being overly verbose?