Interesting about the fungi. I'm trying to figure out how, if at all, this relates to the general observation that if you treat chile pepper plants harshly with less water/more sun (as opposed to whipping them and telling them they're bad), the peppers usually are hotter. Interestingly enough habaneros, which I think have more oil (okay, I don't know what oil unless it is capsaicin based oil but they do have more moisture in them) but are hotter and have more of a problem with the pepper itself getting mold or fungus once you take them off the plant and if you air dry them. I haven't actually checked to see if the seeds are still good and will germinate though.

I'm not sure that either want or need are the right words. Wouldn't it be just a matter of the plants that exist that have this "intricate system" exist simply because they survived or continue to survive whereas those that don't have that same system have died or do not propagate as well?

Currently I grow about ten to twelve different types of peppers, mostly hot. A few are just starting to turn red. Can't wait for the chiltepins/pequins(piquins)/bird peppers. Lovely to take one directly off the plant in the morning and pop it in the mouth. Usually the sudden gasp for air because of their heat causes hiccups for me (at least I think that is the reason). Tons of fun/amusement and tasty too.