Great example with the face-detecting AIs, for me that really supported your point! I think that humans strive for perfection, but technology is more suited for it. Therefore, a lesser intelligence can definitely create a greater intelligence, the implications of which are varied and we've been exploring in many forms of entertainment. I might sign up for that brain antivirus you mentioned, if things gets too close to iRobot!
RE: Can a lesser intelligence create a greater one? Of course it can!