If you don't want to bother with a snorkel, that's fine. I really don't care. I'm not trying to convince you to carry one. What I don't understand, is why others try to convince people to NOT carry one! I can certainly understand there are times when you don't want it flopping around but why dog on others because they want to carry one? It's like a spare tire or a first aid kit or a reserve parachute. Maybe it's bothersome, in the way or uncomfortable. Personally, I feel more at ease knowing my spare tire is pumped up, my reserve chute is on my belly where it belongs and my snorkel is either on my head or in my knife straps where it belongs.
I can't speak for others, but I've NEVER tried to convince someone else not to carry a snorkel. I also never make fun of divers with snorkels on any dive boat. I have zero issue with others diving with a snorkel. I simply have zero interest in doing so. When asked on threads like this I am happy to share that I do not dive with one and why. I also try and point out that using one is a personal preference and each person needs to decide for themselves.
As to the event you described, you were there and I wasn't, but I strongly doubt either of you would have drowned without your snorkels. But I'm not willing to say you are wrong, just that I doubt that either of you would have drowned. But as you say, it is really impossible to say.