Thanks for those links!
The question about using nonlinear models is answered in the affirmative. Systems that consider competing, cooperating, and evolving forces and entities, and that consider the analysis of knowledge formation at multiple scales are extant, and utilize the tools of nonlinear mathematics from “fuzzy logic” to chaos theory to the various forms of neural network systems (biological and cybernetic up to and including the “Global Brain” concept).
Thanks. I think. (I may be cursing you when I’m not sleeping because I’m up reading this stuff!)