botany - How to store vegetables in the refrigerator: In plastic bags or not?

My wife and I are having a debate similar to this one:

I claim that it's better to take the fresh veggies out of the bags and put them in the crisper with humidity control because:

1. That's what the crisper with humidity control is for.


2. If they are in the (plastic) bag, the humidity control is pointless.


3. It's easier to notice vegetables in their early stage of rotting (it doesn't feel right to throw out an entire bag of rotten cucumbers or zucchinis before we got a chance to enjoy them).


4. It's more pleasing to the eye. It's more convenient.

She claims that it's better to leave the fresh veggies in their supermarket bags when putting them in the fridge because she could swear she noticed that they rot more slowly when left in their bags.

As you can see from the few links in this question, I tried to conduct my own search on the subject, but all answers seem to be opinions or "experiences", not an authoritative answer based on scientific research or knowledge.

So I am hoping that with the help of biology professionals (or students) I can finally find an authoritative answer to the question: Do vegetables really last longer if they are kept in their (supermarket) plastic bags when put in the crisper?

Update: I found this formal excerpt from the refrigerator's manual:

Low (open) lets moist air out of the crisper for best storage of fruits and vegetables with skins.

• Fruit: Wash, let dry and store in refrigerator in plastic bag or crisper. Do not wash or hull berries until they are ready to
  use. Sort and keep berries in original container in crisper, or
  store in a loosely closed paper bag on a refrigerator shelf.


• Vegetables with skins: Place in plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper.

High (closed) keeps moist air in the crisper for best storage of fresh, leafy vegetables.

• Leafy vegetables: Wash in cold water, drain and trim or tear off bruised and discolored areas. Place in plastic bag or plastic container and store in crisper.

While this seems a bit more authoritative (because it comes from the manufacturer of the refrigerator), it still leaves quite a few questions open:

If leafy vegetables should be "placed in plastic bag or plastic container and stored in crisper", why set the humidity on "High"? How does humidity get the lettuce inside the plastic bag or plastic container? (is it sealed?)

Assuming that some humidity does get into the bag, why is the bag needed? Why not let humidity flow freely?