re: Your Fundamental Misunderstanding
As the subject heading suggests you fundamental don't get it.
If five scientists agree it probably is chemical and a sixth says well maybe it's life. That sixth person has to prove it's life. Levin hasn't. Maybe Beagle II will, but I don't think so. It will leave us hanging just as Viking did. We need to know more about basic stuff concerning Martian geology and chemistry before looking for life.
What will Barry say if Beagle II leaves us hanging? It's some great conspriancy by the British or ESA or NASA?
--Chris Vancil