Is there really such a thing as a beneficial mutation?

I think the point was that most traits that could be considered "beneficial" do indeed involve compromises and trade-offs, which is in response to your Message 14, in which you speak of "the functioning precision and elegance in so many living things, most of which functions without the compromises and trade-offs accepted as beneficial mutations."Edited by Belfry, : No reason given.

I understand that, and in message 14 you implied that these mutations were distinct from previously existing traits because they involve compromises and trade-offs, whereas you said existing traits do not. The point is, compromise is the rule rather than the exception in existing traits as well.Edited by Belfry, : No reason given.