I completely agree! The occasional onlooker and practice for one's own benefit is the only really good reason to be doing this in the first place.I agree, Clete, except that some onlooker might benefit from us laying out the contrasting positions and sometimes I just feel the need to rehearse an argument that may be useful in a face to face encounter in the real world.
Well, know that your post edified me! So....not futile!Like you, I mostly no longer have the patience but just now and then the gumption rises up in me to post something that I consider relevant, all the while being conscious of the fact that it's likely in futility.
I mostly just don't have the energy for long posts anymore.
Thanks for your acknowledgement.
God bless you!
Clete