I agree with you which is why I don't post the original articles; however, I do find it hones my apologetics skills to debate in a relatively friendly (usually) forum, so that when I go out in the real world, I am better prepared to defend my faith and spread the Word of God.
God bless.
Well said.
Beyond that, while these debates generally do not affect the opinions of the main contenders, I contend that they can and do have an effect on those who pop in to read them. I know I, for one, have learned a great deal from some folks (logos, betty boop, to name just two).