Only, this doesn't work if there's a big inferential distance.

True. A great deal of things don't work if there's big inferential distance.

In particular, if it's visible from your questions that you actually gave these topics some thought, and you are willing to explore them for other reasons that arguing with me; then I'm happy to cooperate with you, and work together to form more accurate beliefs and efficient policies.

I'm sorry, I'm not interested in master-disciple relationships.

I think you might be harming yourself with your ability to argue and see problems with the opinions of others.

What kind of harm do you have in mind?

but it also teaches you many harmful habits

I don't know about many, but yes, arguing on teh internets is perilous. I freely admit to suffering from the curse of the gifted, but I doubt that changing my conversation habits on an internet forum is the right way to address it.

I am aware that my habits shape me and that masks have a tendency to grow into one's face. I consider the risks of snarking around on LW... acceptable.