Jeremy,
It looks to me like Jim is expressing a personal opinion here. As are you. I think he is technically correct, but since you can't do much science now without access to expensive tools I tend to feel more like you do.
Disagreement about what is or is not science may not be science, but it would seem to be a topic if interest to (some, most?) scientists. And ought to be appropriate in at least some threads on a discussion board like this.
Since the moderator has not issued any warnings about off-topic discussion I don't think you have anything to worry about. And neither of you has made any personal remarks, so that is no concern. If at a later time the moderator does say something, just adjust the content or location of your posts as needed, make any needed apologies, and ... continue.
As to your suggestion: it would be a nice thing to see, especially if the time made available was alloted by anyone besides the people now in control. But such control is rarely turned over to others. They would argue that most of this time would be wasted, and they would be right. I don't think I'll hold my breath.
The lottery idea is a good one.
Regards,
LB
