[Why I've Come to Hate Debates and Arguments]

Again, this is completely subjective. What you may think is completely baseless and idiotic, I might think makes complete sense and is completely in line with reality. I could say "all clowns are evil", and provide factual evidence to support it; most people still wouldn't believe it because of how ridiculous. Keep in mind that the other guy thinks he's right as well.

So, it is a dick measuring contest?

In most cases, yes arguments tend to become that.

[Why I've Come to Hate Debates and Arguments]

In a debate, the goal should be to convince the audience not the person you are debating with. Trying to win over your opponent is often futile as you have realized as well.