Humans have mutations all the time in just _one_ generation. I suppose you could consider downs syndrome to be a beneficial mutation, because in our society, they get taken care of by their parents and don't have to work as hard. (broad generalization+ grain of salt)

In fact, any human with what would be considered a normally debilitating mutation that is waited on hand-and-foot may be considered royalty to an alien observer. ( as we can be considered to e-coli)

So this can mean that a "beneficial" mutation can be considered relative to the mutant and the observer.

Also, from a Darwinian perspective... it's still e-coli, not some new organism. Is this really a proof of anything?

You were way off... [/snide Lloyd Christmas voice]