This has been a very long thread and I don't have the time to read it all so I'll post and if I've crossed the line by doing so I apologize.
I'm not a biologist so I am unable to form an opinion as to the veracity of the TofE. I believe that the Bible is a book of spiritual truth but I don't accept that it is a science text.
As I understand evolution it occurs because of a series of genetic mutations.If one is an Atheist then one believes that these mutations accured by natural means. If one is a Theist then the changes would have been caused by an intelligent designer.
As I see it, the TofE is agnostic. Once you go beyond that it is a faith issue.
Everybody is entitled to my opinion.