My reasonsing is not circular, it is very straight forward. If you do not believe, you will, by necessity, not obey the Lord's commands. Agreed? Therefore, the claim that someone who does not believe will be condemned in no way negates the need for repentance, confession, or baptism. Belief is the beginning point of salvation. However, it is not the only thing required by God.
Suppose I say to you that if you buy a bus ticket and get on the bus, you will be taken to Orlando, Florida. If you buy the ticket, would you claim that you will be taken to Orlando, Florida without getting on the bus? Of course not. Why? Because it isn't logical to assume such a thing. This is a direct parallel to the wording of Mark 16:16.
You said "The fact is that there are many many scriptures on salvation by faith and only a couple that speak of baptism says it all." First of all, there are quite a few passages that link baptism to salvation, not just a couple. My question to you is this: How many times does God need to mention something for it to matter to you?
I sincerely hope you will consider what the Bible teaches on this subject. God bless.
Can one Baptized out side of your church be saved?