Should IMDb Change How It Handles Incorrect "Ghost Credits"?

I’ve been thinking about how IMDb handles long-standing credits that may be incorrect, especially for older and lesser-known films. Sometimes a performer is listed in a movie even though dedicated fans, collectors, or researchers have carefully reviewed the film and cannot find that person anywhere in it. These are often called "ghost credits," and once they appear online, they can spread to many other websites.

I completely understand why IMDb asks for evidence before making changes. It helps prevent vandalism and protects the accuracy of the database. However, proving that someone isn't in a film can be much more difficult than proving that they are. In many cases, there isn't a document or official source that explicitly says an actor does not appear in a movie. Instead, contributors may rely on watching the entire film, comparing cast members, production records, or other reliable research.

Many classic film enthusiasts spend years studying old movies and genuinely want to improve the database. If their corrections are rejected simply because they cannot provide "proof of absence," some valuable fixes may never be made. At the same time, IMDb also needs to protect the database from incorrect removal requests, so it's understandable that the process requires verification.

Perhaps there could be a better balance, such as having disputed credits for older films reviewed by experienced human editors when enough supporting information is provided.