Most layman I have talked to think of evolution as having a fitness function selecting for perfection. Most of these type of arguments end up being about environmental pressure selecting non-desired traits rather than evolution per se. It's a terminology problem. The arguments are correct if you ignore this.
I like "descent with modification" when explaining what evolution is to layman. They find it easier to understand as the term isn't so loaded.
I like "descent with modification" when explaining what evolution is to layman. They find it easier to understand as the term isn't so loaded.