Tim probably read my analysis using the self-optimizing compiler as an example, then forgot that I had analyzed it and thought that he was inventing a crushing objection on his own.

It does not seem very likely that I am copying you - when my essay on this subject dates from February 3rd, while yours apparently dates from November 25th.

So what exactly is the counter-argument you were attempting to make?

That self-optimising compilers lack "insight" - and "insight" is some kind of boolean substance that you either have or you lack?

In my view, machines gradually accumulate understanding of themselves - and how to modify themselves. There is a long history of automated refactoring - which seems to me to clearly demonstrate that "insight" within machines into how to modify computer code comes in a vast number of little pieces, which are gradually being assembled over the decades into ever more impressive refactoring tools. I have worked on refactoring tools myself - and I see no hint of sudden gains in capability in this area - rather progress is made in thousands, or even millions of tiny steps.