[MD] The freedom allowing discordant mutations and disordered environmental changes.

[craigerb at comcast.net]

Gene,
We're almost in complete agreement.  Take an ecosystem with a predator & a prey.  If the ratio of predators to prey becomes too high, predators starve to death until the ratio is lowered.  If the ratio of predators to prey becomes too low, predators increase until the ratio is higher.

[Gene]
> For the system to function [= not fail], balance is required.

The above statement is why I say we're ALMOST in complete agreement.
We still need a criterion for saying the system is not failing.  If the criterion of the system's not failing is its staying in balance, then, of course, balance is
 required for its not failing.
Craig