But this is precisely what we are questioning, that such a system could produce the amazing stuff of life that we see all around us, that a system which only produces degrees of disease and deformity could ever have come up with the functioning precision and elegance in so many living things, most of which functions without the compromises and trade-offs accepted as beneficial mutations.
i think here to review the "precision and elegance " you need to step away from evolution and look at how eco systems work and how well creatures fit in them ....
the high flying eagle is superb at gliding and swoping down to snatch its prey ... oh except in forests , jungles etc
the shark is a class act as a hunter , except in open savana , and in deserts
the owl has great low light vision for seeing its prey , except under water ...
the archer fish is unreal in its ability to fire a water spit at insects , except in salt water
all of the "precision and elegance " of creature is forced apon it to deal with the demands of the eco system it is in , it has become that way or it has died out .
look at open water living creatures ..fish , sharks , seals , whales , dolphins , and humans in submarines .. all the same basic streamlines shape with fin like structures to steer the . why because any other form is less well suited .. the enviroment creates a straitjack for survival .. the "precision and elegance " is not optional , its is manditory .. while at the same time robbing the creature of options .... be good in the sea be poor on the land ...
fish ,sharks ,whales are better in the water than seals in many ways .. this is one reason why seal are prey to them , the whales swim faster and can catch them ..... but seals are better on land and if ashore are at an advantage .....
it is a constant war to out do others that forces creature to be so "well adaptered"