We are still at the experimental stage, so trial and error without clear theories is not unexpected. Chemistry formed out of alchemy: people fiddled and noticed

We are still at the experimental stage, so trial and error without clear theories is not unexpected. Chemistry formed out of alchemy: people fiddled and noticed the patterns. The patterns were written down and shared, and different people began floating theories/models to explain the patterns, and the theories were further vetted by more experiments. Another thing is that the industry should look at other AI techniques besides neural nets (NN) or find compliments to NN's. Genetic algorithms and Factor Tables should also be explored as well. Just because recent advances have been in NN's does not necessarily mean that's where the future should lead. Factor tables may allow more "dissection" & analysis by those without advanced degrees, for example. Experts may set up the framework and outline, but others can study and tune specifics. (https://github.com/RowColz/AI https://github.com/RowColz/AI)