You're both pretty dumb, what's the big deal about taking some time to build a better oven? You all get better food which is more important than you seem to realize considering the % appetite factor (eating less food for more gains is always good, always use a table, etc.)
And then the argument about the cat gold is pretty funny and in that case you were correct, it is a completely trash curio and you really only need one at a time since it takes so long you don't need to store them up as if you're never going to mine again.
I think you both could have learned things from each other and improved if your egos weren't in the way.