Professor Max Oidtmann wrote his book after he discovered two copybooks originally kept by the Qing ambans stationed in Lhasa between 1875 and 1900.
Amban is a term for the Qing imperial resident stationed in Lhasa.
In these copybooks written in Manchu, Professor Max discovered recordings of lively interactions between Qing officials and Tibetan elites on the usage of the Golden Urn to identify the rebirths of prominent reincarnate lamas.
From these writings, he argued that the Western perception that Tibetan Buddhist elites were opposed to the use of the Golden Urn is incorrect.
Instead, he posits that they had a vested interest in the new ritual to further expand and consolidate their authority.
As a result, between 1792 and 1911, 80 reincarnations in Tibet and Mongolia were identified using the Golden Urn ritual.
In my view, it is possible that some or most of the Tibetan elites were against the ritual but had to adjust and obey the command of Qian Long.