As an atheist, I feel qualified to say that I don't think non-Christians are ignorant of (or confused by) the points you raise here - not even slightly. So don't feel so frustrated! These people's literal interpretation of the Bible is not a difficult concept to grasp. I'm not sure why you felt a need to explain it, since you clearly aren't defending it.
I guess because I feel like this "debate" is creating a false dichotomy in several ways. I look up to Nye (anyone in my age range who watched the Science Guy probably does) and "believe in" evolution (whatever that means). I'm disappointed that Nye's willingness to have this debate lends a certain legitimacy to Ham. And I'm disappointed that Ham is the face of Christianity to many people. Anyway, sorry for over-explaining.
Despite Nye's popularity and willingness to go to the bat for various causes, he loves being in the media. It's how a person like him stays relevant. So while I'm sure part of this is him wanting to defend science, part of it is likely him wanting to be on TV in a "big-ticket" situation that will keep people talking about him. My high school physics teacher was actually somewhat renowned, having been published a few times and through being a part of various science boards, and had the opportunity to meet Bill Nye a few times. Mind you this was back in the 1990s and early 2000s. But from his encounters Nye came across as self-righteous and important, and somewhat egocentric. A person traveling around with a bit of an entourage and putting himself on a pedestal.
I think a bit of ego can help one with success, but I think judging how much ego is enough is a tough call, especially from the inside. That's too bad, though perhaps Nye is done with that now. As an aside, one of my college professors went to Phillips Andover (the Yale prep school, Phillips Exeter is the Harvard one) with George W. Bush and would tell us about how "Georgie" as he called him was known for putting on airs, what with his cowboy boots and according to my professor, even a bit of an accent, though everyone knows the Bushes are from Kennebunkport. I guess a Maine accent isn't cool at prep school (or otherwise).
That's why I put the timeline disclaimer, he may be over that phase, he may not be. Only people with the opportunity to meet him today, out of his CNN persona, would be able to determine that. I work fairly close to there. Andover is a crazy wealthy place. I've also been to the area near Kennebunkport (girlfriend's family is from that area). That's funny. People definitely put on a show depending on what environment they are in.
I'm not surprised it's a wealthy place. Those schools are nuts. I guess teenagers always want to stand out in some way, though putting on a Texan-esque accent amongst WASPs speaking Mid-Atlantic English seems pretty strong.