This is an excellent metaphor, and I would note that the annealing strategy of always taking the good choices, and randomly accepting some bad choices too, also

This is an excellent metaphor, and I would note that the annealing strategy of always taking the good choices, and randomly accepting some bad choices too, also applies in career choices or life choices. Sometimes when you find yourself tangled up in a knot / stuck in a rut careerwise or lifewise, occasionally making a jump to something different — not necessarily something better — can give your life the kinetic energy it needs to find a better maximum. And as with annealing, the payoff of doing so early in life is higher than doing so late, so one should do more of it while young than as one gets older (if one chooses to optimize their life, that is).