"The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless." - Steven Weinberg.
Part of feels like, so what? If we figured out a mathematical model that described the phenomenon, what then?
Part of feels like, so what? If we figured out a mathematical model that described the phenomenon, what then?
It's like the way that any time we do something that looks like AI, it's "not real AI" because we understand how it works.
There are two (at least) modes of relating to the world, one is a disassociated analytical stance, the "objective" observer, the other is an associated experiential stance, the "subjective" observer. The former leads to science while the latter leads to mysticism. Like the wave/particle models of light, each both gives something and takes something away.
If mathematical models are starting to bore you it's possible you're getting ready to explore subjective reality? (E.g. go to an aquarium and really look at a jellyfish.)
That said, I can imagine that understanding the behavior of social insects, generally, might have practical implications in designing swarm robot behavior.