It's a metaphor. It illustrates the failing of models. Consider how your models might similarly fail. But beyond that detail, the fact remains, in the translation from observation to model there is a world of loss.

One cannot eat the word "banana" and gain nutrition, after all. I think we can agree on that.

And look how this conversation has digressed from a listing of science's strengths and weaknesses into a defense of science and a trouncing of the unbeliever. Emotional. Unattractive.