Dear Filippo,

This happens occasionally even with so-called quality journals. Don't bother to rebut or to address the editor. Take your loss, improve the language and try again at another journal.

I have had my fair share of poor and unsubstantiated reviews. I also have encountered as a reviewer that good manuscripts were rejected, even when I advised minor revisions and explained my enthousiasm to the editor. Reviews are simply not always fair. That has encouraged me to be fair and honest. Personally, I am looking forward to the day that open reviewing is the standard.

Cheer up and good luck with your second attempt,

Ulphard

Dear Filippo Neri

it is not so common, but for some journals (highly reputed, by the way) it's easier to occur.

Probably it happens because the reviewer is i a hurry, or -- worse -- got a first negative impression and then does not waste time double checking it, looking for details and pieces of evidence. The problem indeed is that the editor is responsible for fairness and balance; the editor selected that reviewer.

In the past I wrote 3 times at the occurrence of such a mishap: in one case I received a reply because I insisted and because the problem was clear, the paper was stuck and reviewers' comments neutral to positive => it took 6 years to publish ; in other two cases I never received an answer. That would lead me to think that the interface with the editorial board is one way.

You can write to the editor and critically justify your plight. If your justification is well-conveyed, the paper may be sent to a second/third reviewer and that’s where a conclusion will be drawn.