Oh, yeah! I got caught up in the whole semantics aspect of it, and forgot about the rest! Here is my take on the other question. I took the easy way out, and copied it from my website, instead of typing it all again!

My Ball Python comes out of his/her hide when I come into the room. Does he/she recognize/like me?

Snakes are not intelligent creatures in the same way that humans are. They have not evolved to write, have emotions, make fire, get drunk, or any of the other wonderful things we humans can do. They operate on a strictly instinctual level. This is the way I think snakes see the world: Everything is classified into one of three categories-
1) Potential Predator
2) Potential Prey
3) Scenery
When you first bring your new baby snake home from the pet store or breeders, it sees you as a potential predator, and is afraid of you. This is why many hatchlings are snappy. As it becomes used to your scent, and the way you handle it, it realizes that you are not a predator, and you then become part of the scenery. (It is obvious you don’t smell like a gerbil or rat!) In a way, your Ball Python classifying you as scenery is the greatest compliment it can give you. It is his way of saying, “I don’t feel threatened by you.” Additionally, your Ball Python may appear to “enjoy” you handling it because you are the perfect temperature, and it wants to absorb some of that all important body heat! Honestly, however, your Ball Python doesn't care if it is perched on you, or a heated manikin. It is just happy to feel warm and safe!
If, on the other hand, the only time you handle your Ball Python is at feeding time, it may very well learn that when you open it’s enclosure, it’s time for chow! Your Ball Python associating you only with feeding time is something you want to avoid. Handling him/her often enough that you remain “scenery” is the best way to do this.

I think that they can learn that you are not a predator, and you are not prey, but I don't know that they discriminate any farther than that.