> If the process of considering options and reaching the correct conclusion concludes faster and that is our definition of thinking, it should follow that the thinking is faster.
That doesn't follow because once you've mastered something you consider less options to reach a conclusion than a novice. One reaches the correct conclusion whit less thinking, not faster thinking.
Following your logic a person taking a shortcut from point A to point B is doing the same amount of driving as somebody not taking the shortcut, they are just driving faster.
It's a shame you've decided to abandon the argument.