It always made perfect sense to me that Lavos domineered human evolution - not directly, and not overbearingly, but subtly, indeed. Looking at the translation differences, I think it's really a matter of interpretation. The origninal dialogue seems to be more ambiguous, but certainly not denying the possibility of Lavos as a subtly driving force in human evolution. In my opinion, Lavos did something more akin to "overseeing" human evolution than "controlling" it. It did not interfere directly, but subtly guided the path of humankind. On two known occasions - the Frozen Flame incident, and the fall of Zeal - Lavos directly interfered with the path of human evolution. This idea makes perfect sense to me, and made even MORE sense after playing through Chrono Cross. I personally think an under-investigated view of Lavos is the flood of parallels that exist between Lavos and the Biblical notion of God. Without going into detail at the moment, it seems clear to me, particularly after the ending of Chrono Cross, that Lavos plays some greater role unto humanity than has fully been explained at this time. Schala's reference to Lavos as a "cosmic sperm" opens up numerous possible Lavos/God parallels, and then some. I believe there is a strong philosophical element to the identity of Lavos, and a relationship with humankind that goes far deeper than has been overtly indicated so far. If there ever is a third Chrono game (which I pray to God - er, Lavos - there will be) I expect to see the relationship between humans, the Planet, and Lavos further elaborated. Lavos's "motives" - if they can be called that - border between the Darwinian and the divine. I believe its granting of magic to humans, its watchful surveillance of their development, and its ultimate unleashing of the Apocalypse all indicate a far deeper symbolic meaning, and role, than meets the eye.
