Perhaps I wasn't very clear. My example was _abstractly_ drawn. I was speaking with an allegory here.
The point was allegorical. And missed, I see. My fault. And as I said, this is getting far afield. So I'll leave it for the book I recommended to paint better than I have.
You didn't get the allegory, it seems, so let's 'hold off' on a response from me on this.
Of course!! Engineers must _design_ in the here-and-now with whatever is available for the task at hand. I certainly wasn't arguing there.
I think this is why there is art _and_ science in engineering.
If I had to put a cap on what you are saying, I'd simply say that you should choose the best at hand. If there is very good, quantitatively predictive theory floating around for something, use it. If not, use what you have. Trial and error certainly has a place. So does an instinct that is developed through what you suggested, "experiment, experiment and experiment."
Hehe. Me, too. However, I think that book is extremely readable and enjoyable in each and every paragraph. You'll find it no trouble at all. And cheap, besides. Why not expose yourself to something merely on a lark once in a while. Might expand a horizon and find something fun you didn't realize was in you. ;)
Jon