The theory of punctuated equilibrium is based on positive evidence,
including extensive studies of living and extinct species groups
(Eldredge and Gould 1972).
The idea of phyletic gradualism, which is invoked to justify a lack of
gaps, fails to fit the evidence of population
biology.
There is nothing wrong with proposing theories to fit the data.
Eldredge, N. and S. J. Gould, 1972. Punctuated equilibria: An
alternative to phyletic gradualism. In: Models In Paleobiology (T.
J. M. Schopf, ed.), San Francisco: Freeman, Cooper & Co., 82-115.