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First, there is no logical difference between hardware and software, either in computers or in humans (or animals). In animal brains, learning is most definitely a physical change. You can see it under a suitable microscope. Learning changes the physical connections between neurons.

Second, language does require a suitable brain structure, but then that has no relevance to the discussion. Evolution also has to work with what is available for modifiction. Humans are not going to evolve feathers. If they do, get back to me and I will admit biology doesn't really know anything.

>>The stickers may have nothing to do with this particular journey.<<

True, and the story has no relevance. If you wish to believe that some omnipotent trickster diddles in DNA, placing false markers at will, that is cerrtainly a possibility. But it's a fairy tail with no Scientific merit or Biblical authority. Scientology makes as much sense.

In a universe in which DNA has no actual lineage, and false markers are placed by space aliens or deities, you cannot have science, because anything can happen without cuse or trace.

...learning is most definitely a physical change. You can see it under a suitable microscope. Learning changes the physical connections between neurons.

This is an interesting point, thanks for making it. I do have familiarity with neuro-developmental theories/therapies, and have practiced such with my speech delayed son. (I thought it interesting that you had used the language learning example.)

I'll give you that the difference between hardware and software for processing input may be fuzzy - but, I was also thinking "input hardware", like our physical senses which would be more distinct from "processing software".

Evolution also has to work with what is available for modifiction.

Well, we agree on this. Our departure seems to be on understanding the "what is available". Here, I suppose is where my belief on the inherent limits to variation applies - much as you stated that "Humans are not going to evolve feathers."

...false markers...

I don't say that the markers are inherently false or deceptive(just as the stickers are not false or deceptive - they just ARE) they may however be falsely interpreted due to unknown/unknowable factors.

Are you saying that everything regarding genetic variation is understood and there are no significant questions left to be answered?