akenaton,

Isn't it all a gigantic waste of time?

Posting to Mudcat in order to convince the world is largely a waste of time. (There are other benefits, though.) Scientific research, including humanities and philosophy, and considering what to teach at schools, are among the best investments of time imaginable. Like any investment, we must not forget to harvest the results.

Let people believe what they wish, they are as likely to be right as any scientist?

We cannot prevent people from believing what they wish, but there are conflicts which need arguing. This thread - fortunately not really important - is an example of how it should not be done. If we define a scientist as someone who has passed an M.Sc. exam, this does not imply being "right" on any subject whatsoever - but dodging all studying does not help either.