Conjecture not well supported by evidence is not mutually exclusive with making an argument. In fact, that’s what people are saying: OP was making a bad argument [because it’s conjecture].

Again, argument requires them to suggest it's fact, which they did not. Your interpretation of the framing is subjective. They said "To get the convo started: The skeptical take" which clearly offers distance between their view and the statement. You are uncharitably ignoring this.

> which clearly offers distance between their view and the statement.

It’s also not a requirement that you exclusively argue your own personal view point. And of course appearing impartial to an argument via language like “to play devil’s advocate, etc.” is a common device used to introduce an argument you may believe, or want other to believe, without being inflammatory.