I am sure that there are exaggerations on both sides, espescially when money/funding is involved.
I personally see no reason why life forms could not have been created according to their kinds by a greater intelligence. From there, they can evolve [by definition] to survive. There is even speculation that right now, Killer Whales in certain areas have evolved considerably. They have different languages, different hunting patterns and prey. All of this because of isolation from other pods. Is this speciation? That has not been proven. I guess you could capture some and try and mate them. I would bet that they procreate, and that their offspring could also procreate. These Orca are similar to humans isolated from one another. We are still human, they are still Orca. No speciation there, IMO.
I know that I have never seen convincing proof of an intermediate form. I am sure that certain creatures could be called an intermediate form, but is that proven? Is the Duck-billed platypus the intermediate form of reptile to mammal, to bird? Not IMO. Although I have read different views. I think the Platypus is it's own animal that has adapted to it's enviroment, nothing more.
Also, saying that we all have the same basic design is not proof of anything except design, IMHO. The Bible says nothing too specific about life before humans, other than mentioning "kinds" being created. How many original kinds were there? How long did they exist? Was it millions of years, billions? Nothing about Dinosaurs either. The bible is only concerned with Man and his fall. Why even bring it into the picture? Aren't all these brochures from religions being printed mainly because they screwed up by making comments in the first place? Now they are back-tracking to appear progressive and scientific.
Why can't the GB say, " How exactly was life formed? We simply do not know. The scriptures are silent on the matter. We believe that God's word teaches that life was created. Still, the specifics are not known, as the Bible is not a scientific text book. Our time would be better spent treating our fellow man with love, rather than debating scientific matters with God's word." I guess that wouldn't print too many magazines. Then again, science magazine would not do too well either, if they said, " We don't really know too much." You have to give the people what they want, and tell them what they want to hear. The people want authoritative answers given to them, so that they can watch 'Dancing with the Stars' in peace.
DD