Reply #31: I have at least a few answers for you...

[Orrex]

Why didn't god create humankind in a perfect state, free of temptation?
Why did god create the serpent to tease humankind?
If freewill was the objective, why bother with Eden in the first place?
If freewill was the objective why project the notion that free will derives from disobedience of the laws of god?

The answer to all of these is that God values free will more than anything else--even more than man's salvation. Really, this is the only answer to your questions that is consistent with the bible, and it brings us to an intersting realization:

God is clearly Pro-Choice

Consider:

If he were not Pro-Choice, then he would have created us in a perfect state (if at all).
If he were not Pro-Choice, then he would have protected us from that naughty serpent.
If he were not Pro-Choice, then Eden (or some equivalent) would not have been necessary at all.
If he were not Pro-Choice but was instead Pro-Freewill, then free will wouldn't derive from disobedience of God's laws.

Although God may mourn the result of a choice made via free will, he prizes the ability to choose more than the effects of that choice.

Why believe in simplistic explanations of the world?

Because it frees the believer from the responsibility of comprehension.

Why hasn't humankind put to rest the notion of god?

Because many people feel that their lives have no purpose unless they're busy seeking the approval of a spiritual parent-figure.