If the tasks the agent is performing are well defined, it could employ humans to modify its code (in well defined places). Agent could for example hire freelanc

If the tasks the agent is performing are well defined, it could employ humans to modify its code (in well defined places). Agent could for example hire freelance programmers to develop improved plugins for breaking new types of captchas. Through affiliate marketing schemes agent could also pay for humans to do the selling. These kind of agents would have at least some competitive advantage over humans in providing services which are considered illegal (for example spamming). Humans probably need to price in the risk of getting caught and ending up in jail while an agent does not have the problem.