Subtle shift in logic within ideas

GRE Verbal Problem Solving
1

Choose the correct option:

In spite of the fact the scientist’s meticulously documented research could be trusted, few people ______.
In spite of the fact the scientist’s meticulously documented research could be trusted, a few people ______.
a) had misgivings about it
b) appreciated it

In both sentences Idea 1 is + and there is a contrast so idea 2 has to be -.

Within idea 2, few is - so the blank should be + to make the idea 2 -ve
In second sentence, a few has no effect so the blank should be +ve.

Can you please guide me if I am thinking correct or wrong?

2

I think “few” means “none”, but “a few” means some. So they act differently, only the first one flips the logic.