Genetic algorithms create results like the situation described in the story all the time. When put to developing physical circuits, they develop circuits with

Genetic algorithms create results like the situation described in the story all the time. When put to developing physical circuits, they develop circuits with components which are not even connected to anything but which can not be removed without preventing it from functioning. They generate the most insane-looking solutions you could imagine and typically reveal just how well you did at defining what you actually wanted. As they say in the story, explaining the outcome you want precisely enough is no different or easier than programming.