This isn't a matter of being "open-minded" or close-minded. It's an unchanging truth of Catholic doctrine. If you're Catholic, the validity of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not a matter of personal interpretation open to debate. Catholics are required to give assent in both intellect and will to the doctrines of the Church. Those "who do not agree" are Catholic in name only.
If expressing one's doubts about any Church doctrine amounts to a debate, then it is best kept to one's self. (No sarcasm implied)
"...Catholic in name only."
The numbers of Catholics who receive the sacrament of Reconciliation have dropped drastically. Why? I don't know but it is factual, while at the same time just about every person at Mass receives Communion. The priests, of course, are well aware of this. Do you believe they are knowingly distributing Holy Communion to Catholics in name only? If so, do they have any choice? I would think so but I don't know the answer.
To touch on another teaching of the Church which is flagrantly dismissed is the use of artificial birth control.
You may very well be encompassing the majority of Catholics under the umbrella of "Catholic in name only".
And you may be absolutely right; I fully comprehend your reasonsing. But, there we have it...the reality of what's going on, to touch upon just a couple of subjects.