As I said, I feel it’s pedantic because I don’t think the distinction you’re making is all that meaningful. Feel free to disagree, but don’t tell me my opinion is wrong.
So opinions aren't something sacred. You can be wrong with one. For example, if you felt that the sun was a cold, dark ball of ice. You are free to feel that the distinction isn't that meaningful, but that won't make me pedantic
To the example.
Me: "Excuse me, but would you please tell me where the elevator is?"
You: "Follow those lemmings."
Me: ::begins following the lemmings, but accidentally drops my cell phone on the way. Stopping to pick up my phone, I lose sight of the lemmings.:: "Crap! Now what?"
Had you answered my question, I would still be able to get to the elevator. Since you didn't answer it, I'm forced to ask someone else where it is. The difference between being able to find the elevator and not being able to find the elevator is a pretty darn meaningful distinction.
Yes, it’s all a matter of opinion. And though I would agree that a lot of time is wasted on arguing definitions, I think if people look beyond the term and look at what’s said, perhaps we’d get somewhere. This is true of many discussions, and on all of us involved.
So, instead of arguing with me about what would be an answer about the elevators, why don’t you give an example of your own that somehow displays your point? That would be refreshing compared to the constant arguing and “technically it’s this” stuff that you continue to bring up.
1. You see a staff on the ground.
2. You see a carved ironwood staff on the ground.
3. You see an ancient ironwood staff on the ground. From here you can tell that there are carvings of little figures along the length of the staff and that the staff is capped by a blue stone.
4. You see an ancient ironwood lying on the ground as if casually tossed aside. Along it's dark, lustrous length are carved thousands of tiny figures that are engaged in battle with one another. Here and there the staff has been notched in battle, marring the battle scene. Atop the ironwood staff is a brilliant blue star sapphire.
All 4 of those get to the same point. However, they progressively give more and more information about the staff that is before the PCs. I typically go back and forth between 2 and 3 for the amount of detail I give, depending on what it is I am describing. Occasionally, especially for magic items or pieces of artwork or antiques of value, I will go with 4.