I've been in plenty of discussions where a cited source exists as a basis to work toward nothing.
It's a common tactic to use citations to get the person you are arguing with to walk in circles. It's a war of attrition: eventually the other party gives up on deconstructing and criticizing your citations, and you claim victory. This is closely related to the "ball is in your court" fallacy.
But if both parties are actually invested in critical thought, citations can be an opportunity instead of a roadblock. That still requires the effort of everyone involved.
It's a common tactic to use citations to get the person you are arguing with to walk in circles. It's a war of attrition: eventually the other party gives up on deconstructing and criticizing your citations, and you claim victory. This is closely related to the "ball is in your court" fallacy.
But if both parties are actually invested in critical thought, citations can be an opportunity instead of a roadblock. That still requires the effort of everyone involved.