An interesting perspective on things, to be sure.
What do you think you would have done if, instead, they were people you were conversing with IRL? Would you have offered your opinion without hesitation? Paused to carefully formulate a reply? Or kept your own counsel on the matter/s?
No, it may not have been your place to change their minds, but if you step back and keep your thoughts private does that also mean an end to real open & honest conversation? (Perhaps that is more of an issue when talking to friends rather than random strangers.)
As the saying goes (I think): life is too short for bad conversation. :)
Good question. I’m not sure of the answers, because they would have been tailored to each situation - and there would have been a lot more direct feedback to gauge and tailor responses to.
And yes - that is where it gets difficult to distinguish clear boundaries, as indeed, one comment need not equate to a final stance, but can be the opening for an expanding dialogue - and even if it does get off to a rough start, can unfold to new territory and cool insights for everyone...