>>Even the Discovery Institute bemoans the fact that there is no research, and no proposals for research, that would shed light on the methods, motives, or activities of the alleged designer.<<
Oh, but there are. It is just done in a realm other than science.
>>This would not be true if one found a watch or airplane in an uninhabited desert.<<
What if one found a flying saucer?
You would be in or near Roswell.