This particular debate seems always to degenerate into a shouting match about the "proper form" of baptism. Somebody on a thread last summer actually declared (with great sadness) that if a guy's little toe somehow remained dry in the process, that he'd end up going to hell.
I agree with your take on it.... If the Gospels tell us anything, it's that salvation is a matter of what happens inside, and not a strict adherence to precise (and Pharisaical) rules for every element of salvation.
Yes, but it does not hurt to caution on the side of being safe. If you are going to do it, you might as well try to follow the Bible the best you can.