[hammock]

Recombining existing material is exactly right, and in this case LLMs were uniquely positioned to make the connection quicker than any group of humans.

The proof relies on extremely deep algebraic number theory machinery applied to a combinatorial geometry problem.

Two humans expert enough in either of those totally separate domains would have to spend a LONG time teaching each other what they know before they would be able to come together on this solution.

[golol]

I did not have the impression the proof uses a surprising and novel contribution of fields. I think the proof uses standard application techniques of algebraic number theory towards discrete geometry. If you have a quote substantiating what you said I would be curious.

I know these articles write that it used deep algebraic number theory techniques, which is true, but it may also just be the standard in the field.

[Apocryphon]

Monstrous Moonshine?