Contemplations of a simulation navel or recognizing the seers among peers

The Model Development Environment Project has the goal of defining the software utilities and the database support needed for creating, validating, and experimenting with complex simulation models. This project review, emphasizing the needs and explaining some of the guiding concepts and principles, serves to underscore key issues extending beyond discrete event simulation. An introspective summary presents an optimistic reaction to the fear that technically naive modelers might use the more sophisticated capabilities to produce catastrophic results.