> First, and least important, consider that self-replicating, solar-powered factories aren't magic; they're algae.
But what is that supposed to mean? Because humanity is not facing existential threat from algae.
But what is that supposed to mean? Because humanity is not facing existential threat from algae.
By analogy, consider how you might respond if someone claimed that there's no possible danger from pocket-sized projectile launchers, because they would require some magic means of propulsion that didn't depend on a taut string attached to a long, flexible arm:
You could reply that atlatls can launch projectiles without using a taut string. Atlatls are not pocket-sized, but they are sufficient to establish that projectiles can be non-magically launched without a full bow. You could then go on to describe a sling, or derringer; and these would not be invalidated by your initial objection to the "magic" part.