The word "conversate" is in the dictionary [1], labelled as "non-standard". That doesn't mean it's not a word. Most people would be able to easily infer its meaning.
I wouldn't agree that using an understandable word that's in the merriam-webster dictionary is being ignorant or lazy. Nor would I call something AI slop because of a single word, without otherwise engaging with the content.
I do genuinely wonder why some people can be so derailed by odd or unfamiliar words and grammar. Are they stressed? Not wanting to engage with a conversation? Trying to assert status or intellectual superiority? Being aggressive and domineering to assuage their self-worth? Perhaps they feel threatened by cultural change? I assume it has something to do with emotional regulation, given that I can't recall bumping into too many mature people who do such things.
