I think the very fact that you want winners and losers is the problem. That shouldn't be the goal in having a discussion with another person.
Focusing on the mechanics and methods has left you blind to the outcome, as demonstrated:
> You have to argue successfully on both sides to win a competition
Who, in the real world, would use a skill like this? Lawyers who defend corporations who poison populations? Murderers? Sleazy politicians?
It might just be that you have demonstrated the very thing being discussed: Talking past the issue at hand. The OP isn't about the mechanics of debate. It's about talking past the issue.
Focusing on the mechanics and methods has left you blind to the outcome, as demonstrated:
> You have to argue successfully on both sides to win a competition
Who, in the real world, would use a skill like this? Lawyers who defend corporations who poison populations? Murderers? Sleazy politicians?
It might just be that you have demonstrated the very thing being discussed: Talking past the issue at hand. The OP isn't about the mechanics of debate. It's about talking past the issue.