You are quite right about that verse. However, to take up JK's point, there are verses that do link a necessity for baptism. We must deal with those.
No matter what we conclude, we cannot throw water baptism overboard.
It might not be a requirement for salvation, but it is presented as a necessary step.....We are told to baptize and believers are instructed to be baptized. I think submitting to baptism is a sign of believing in and submitting to Christ, and I think that refusal of baptism, when there is no unusual preventing circumstance,is sign that one has not really believed and submitted to their new Lord's instructions.
It's nice to see someone at least acknowledge that baptism has to be taken seriously. While I don't totally agree with your view of baptism, I do think it is a step in the right direction.
I think I've mentioned somewhere back on one of my earlier posts that one cannot ignore the fact that baptism is a sacrament of the church and an important one. Be that as it may I DON'T believe it's what saves you. I hope you're not suggesting that! You may wish to provide clarification for jkl1122 who believes you're siding with him.