In support of previous findings, we find that protracted learning is important for both cultural phenomena [21, 24]. On the one hand, protracted learning tends to limit the optimization of repertoires allowing for arbitrary variation between groups and hence traditional differences. On the other hand, the within-lifetime limitation of optimization of repertoires make cumulative cultural processes possible. In previous work we also found that protracted learning is important for the costs and benefits associated with particular SLMs . Thus multi-scale models with protracted learning allow us to study the adaptive and cultural impact of particular SLMs rather than assume them. In this way multi-scale models can be used to evaluate the assumptions we make about social learning in various top-down verbal and formal models.