agreed with your first post, much less so than this one, because it is based on analogy. recipes are really not like programming. when i try a new recipe, i normally read the description to see what i am going to get out of it, and if it appeals, give it a bash, without any accuracy.
for example, elizabeth david (never a one for accurate measurements) has a great recipe for beef with olives, which comes down to onions, garlick, bay leafs (other herbs to taste) olive oil, lemon peel, beef, black olives, red wine. then just cook them. any experienced cook will have no probs with this - the interesting thing is the combination of beef and olives. all the quantities are somewhat irrelevant and can be adjusted to taste.
whereas a computer program must be pin-point accurate in all details
for example, elizabeth david (never a one for accurate measurements) has a great recipe for beef with olives, which comes down to onions, garlick, bay leafs (other herbs to taste) olive oil, lemon peel, beef, black olives, red wine. then just cook them. any experienced cook will have no probs with this - the interesting thing is the combination of beef and olives. all the quantities are somewhat irrelevant and can be adjusted to taste.
whereas a computer program must be pin-point accurate in all details
analogies == bad. imho
sorry i went on a bit there