This debate is the scientific version of "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin." It's an excellent example of how technogeeks of whatever stripe can get wrapped around the axle about minutiae that have no real scientific value. It's all about defending one's own view on the matter.
It's a question of whether the definiton of a planet comes about through a mysterious act of Creation, or whether it's all a matter of Intelligent Designation. Or maybe it's just random chance.
Professors can yell and scream because it really does not matter at all. Nobody will live or die based on pluto being a plannet.