I also don't think Bujold has really insisted that biology is destiny.

She has claimed many a time that "all true wealth is biological.

Which is not quite the same thing.

I do admit that biology, genetics especially, plays a big role in our lives. But it's not destiny; I don't believe in destiny (I do believe in carma, somewhat, though - there's a difference).

I like Mark, although his character in BoA is just... unformed yet. But then, he puts on an appearance, and that's a start, and he chooses... freedom, which is also a good thing. I don't know how he never got the better of Galen earlier, but then, he never knew he had a choice of a different future, earlier.