[@Excal] Artificers/Collectors have trained themselves to see 'patterns', essentially repeating or similar chunks in a given jumble of Hieracon code. They don't actually know what it means. But usually, a repeating command represents an activation function of some sort. By using process of elimination, they can deduce a correct command. This is commonly in the form of a gesture or some sort of phrase, or whatever. After this, they can use it to activate a :link. Think of it as something of a password. It is common for certain 'types' of links share similar commands. They can pass on this knowledge to other people, allowing them to use the specified :link. But then again, these things are quite rare. And knowing the code helps bring out the 'full potential' of the device. 
 
When viewing the Hieracon in any given device, it pops out in a chaotic manner, flowing in the air around the device like a fleeting tapestry. Ciphers tamper with code through being able to understand what it actually means. They can manipulate it through touch, or by rearranging the words and commands mentally. These 'gifted' people can touch it and warp it. As such, 'Hieracon', this arcane language, is not intangible to them.

But like any machine, mess with the programming too much and it might began to malfunction. And they can't command it to do things it cannot possibly do.  

As for the 'Sin' gene, it is said to be a genetic malformation caused by the 'intolerance' of magic. Not much is known about it other than that. Even that information is quite uncommon in itself. Those who have experienced what happens when the gene activates are usually not around anymore. No records at all.