Al's death was definitely a gift. In a bloody fashion, he proved that no future is set. He gives hope to Demetri that he will survive and marry Zoey. Mark might be able to work it out with his wife. The question is why the experiment was performed. Usually the spending of vast resources and time is motivated by greed, a grab for power or the hope for more wealth. I can't figure out how this will bring profit to Lloyd and his partner.