I read a lot of fiction Joe, historical as well as other types, I am very appreciative of its, merits. good social historians provide much by way of cultural and social content. I do not think these arts are in opposition to each other but they do serve different roles and neither should be regarded as a sole source for Windows on the past, However, when I want to "know" history, I read history when I want to be entertained I read novels .
I totally disagree with your assertion that not fiction can go only so far in revealing the aspects of the past that touch people.. Read some good social historians Joe,
Internet "culture" is also obsessed with instant wiki scholars who think Wikipedia is the apex of all knowledge, when actually it is the revealer of great ignorance. it is not really hard to tell who studies things and who wikis them.
As for who wins and lloses, that's not confined to the Internet , that,s what happens when the poorly informed embark upon "debate" rather than discussion.
just my thoughts on things.