[general_re]

But I am not the one who relies on similarities to establish a direct relationship.

"Uses", not "relies on" - other evidence is also available for consideration. Woodpeckers, fruit bats, and houseflies all have wings, but I doubt you'll find anyone positing a direct relationship between any two of them.

[AndrewC]

but I doubt you'll find anyone positing a direct relationship between any two of them.

No because we can see the actual relationships, which do not require just-so inference.