I think the regress you're talking about is super important---black box AI only goes so far---but I also think there's great benefit to just applying the first

I think the regress you're talking about is super important---black box AI only goes so far---but I also think there's great benefit to just applying the first layer of broken, incorrectly paired ML to a new field. My prediction is that even the most black box ML, creatively applied, is and will be an incredible skill. Increasing levels of sophistication will continually kill off the current practices of black box ML, but the willingness to apply statistical pattern recognition to new and interesting areas can't help but be incredible.