> But models aren't real, and never will be.

Of course they aren't real, that's the entire point.

A model is a simplified mathematical description which, within a specified domain ie range of input values, is able to provide predictions.

The models we care about provide useful predictions, ie ones that match measurements to a sufficient degree, with a limited number of inputs[1].

[1]: https://www.johndcook.com/blog/2011/06/21/how-to-fit-an-elep...