The observed evidence shows that species are declining at an alarming rate, not increasing or improving.
I don't really mean to jump in on a nit-pick, but I don't follow how this particular statement refutes anything in the ToE? You are perhaps not aware of the factors/causes leading to this (quite correct) observation?
No prob, exevo. I can see that you've got a lot on your plate. However, as extinction is one of my primary interest areas, when you are done with this thread let me know and we can start a new one on that topic.