John,

I see what you mean with the weaker points if it is spelling etc. When I see that I often put (the smaller) part of the blame on the reaction of the one attacked.

"It is spelled 'desperate', dumbass"

of many possible answers this is one of the better ones:

"Thanks for the correction"

Not acknowledging an error in a minor point can lead to disastrous interaction.
One party: They don't mean my spelling (figures, or whatever) they mean my position so I won't even start giving in and they can't spell/think/argue themselves by the way.
Other party: They are not even able to admit an error in a minor point, so why do they think it is worth listening to them in their major points.

Wolfgang