I think it's clearcut, general chat is just that, something involved in normal discussion, compared to intelligent debate in which involves something on a deeper level, a more meaningful level. The classifications of what "intelligent conversation" has nothing to do with this, while I'm sure "is drinking alcohol a sin?" a topic that could involve serious lines within, quite frankly I don't want to see this section filled with spammy, whiny topics just like that.
It's when I see members like Iroc in here that I know a topic is off cue... Also, I normally don't care about other peoples grammar, but this is the one place I do. I don't care if you miss an apostrophe, but if I can't make out what the fuck you are saying, then perhaps this isn't the place for you.