[sehugg]

Well, the problem of playing strong is pretty well solved if you have lots of computing resources. The problem of playing very strongly on a battery-powered mobile device (for example) is not yet solved. This is where an insanely-accurate evaluation function would come in handy.

[tmalsburg2]

Ok, agreed. However, I'd guess that engines like Stockfish and Shredder beat most of the chess playing population even when running on an iPhone. Advanced players may not be impressed as they are familiar with methods specifically developed to beat engines but that's not relevant for the majority of players. These people want engines that play at their level without making ridiculous artificial mistakes. Playing against current engines is completely pointless for beginning and intermediate players. Much progress could be made there.