If someone, however, is witnessed to and changes his life in such a way that the fruit of the spirit is evident -- love, joy, peace, etc. -- where he was once led by his sinful nature, and he's clearly unashamed of the Risen Christ, I would not dare refuse to call that person a Christian even if his baptism was via infusion, or even if he didn't have a water baptism at all.
That is your opinion, but unfortunately, your opinion doesn't matter when it comes to salvation. It is in direct contrast to the teaching of Scripture.
Please answer me this. If baptism is not required for salvation, then why is there not a single instance of a conversion in the book of Acts that does not involve baptism? We have 10 instances of conversion in Acts, and of belief, repentance, confession, and baptism, only baptism is listed explicitly in all 10 accounts. Do you really think that is a coincidence?