One major caveat is that a ton of studies only verified the effectiveness of masks under lab conditions, while empirical data showed their impact in real world settings to be magnitudes smaller.
Yes, masks were very effective if they fit the individual's face well, never got touched with unwashed hands and got changed for a fresh mask as soon as they became even a little bit wet or sweaty.
i just wanted to say i appreciate your comment. i just need to move Leeevee off this thread as he is trying to load it up with off topic