Is This Just British Understatement?

Or is the BBC working on framing a new interpretation of Christianity which can dispense with half the New Testament?

In an article on excavations of the tomb of St. Paul at San Paolo fuori le Mura, the BBC cautiously explains the significance of St. Paul:

"His letters to the early churches, found in the Bible's New Testament, are arguably some of the most influential on Christian thinking."

I wonder which thinkers the Beeb had in mind "arguably" overshadowing St. Paul? Is the Beeb seriously prepared to entertain the contrary argument that St. Paul's letters were insignificant? What animus would lead them to this patent absurdity?