Despite the typical characterization of art forgery as the realm of the (i)___________, some recent papers have underscored the artistry present in counterfeit pieces and ignored or made light of the inherent criminality. Needless to say, many critics have (ii)___________these papers, saying their authors lack the ethics and good sense to be taken seriously.

As we have despite we need a word which contrast with the sentence after comma. The other thing to notice is the word forgery which means copying. Thus as for the fist blank, I need a word which is in line to faking maybe immoral.

A. craven- Means cowardly- Not related to faking- Out
B. reprobate- Even though I do not know what does reprobate means, I will keep this option and try others as well.
C. covetous- Means greedy or jealousy- Out
Thus we are only left with reprobate.

As for the second blank as the critics are saying something possibly criticizing because the sentence after comma says something about being unethical thus, the word before must be criticizing.
D. lambasted- Means criticizing- Correct
E. extolled- Means praise or glorify- Out
F. jackleg-Means untrained- Out


Thanks!!!