re: IMHO Tom's posts are invalid by default
The respect given to Tom is because he always offers outside support to his convictions and it's plain to see he's not stupid, dumb, or ignorant.
More times than not Tom is harassed for his beliefs than debated for the content of his belief and that is why IMO he might at times seem to use your word un-pure.
As far as Mary Anne, I thinks she is more of an intellectual challenge for him, makes him think deeper and that is why he favors a conversation with her. As many here do.
As far as you, I don't see you debating Tom with facts but only with your own opinion.