> Otherwise we go in endless circles about language and meaning of words

We understand thinking as being some kind of process. The problem is that we don't understand the exact process, so when we have these discussions the question is if LLMs are using the same process or an entirely different process.

> instead of discussing practical, demonstrable capabilities.

This doesn't resolve anything as you can reach the same outcome using a different process. It is quite possible that LLMs can do everything a thinking entity can do all without thinking. Or maybe they actually are thinking. We don't know — but many would like to know.