> what is more likely...the above scenario or that life began by intelligent design?
The former, clearly, as the latter still requires that the "designer" have come about somehow. ID is not an answer, it's simply another form of turtles all the way down.
> a log cabin in the woods is more likely a result of chance and time?
Log cabins reproduce the way that some complex molecules do? Wow! Then what's all this blather about housing shortages???
Trees reproduce, fall, catch on fire, and do many things other than just stand there. Was there not a famous evolutionist who said a monkey would eventually type the 23rd Psalm if given a typewriter, paper, and enough time?
The same principle applies here. So here's how the article conclusion might read in relation to cabins...
The heat generated by an impact produces local tree falling. These start off hot, thus favouring fires and the formation of many different structures. They then cool over the centuries to the point where these individual trees, branches, and limbs can fall in more complex formations. And they also have lots of microscopic nooks and crannies with space for animals to burrow, and interesting chemicals in them, enticing for bugs to excavate and for birds to nest in. Eventually, given enough time and chance...viola! Log cabin!