>Piloting a boat is easier and more forgiving. Hence, splashdown.

At no point were the astronauts piloting a boat. The reasons they splash down into the ocean has nothing to do with buoyancy being easier to solve, and even less to do with the ease of piloting a boat.

>It’s also hyperbole to suggest we understand lift. We don’t.

Maybe you personally do not understand lift, but "we" do in fact understand it. Please educate yourself before continuing this discussion any further.