"The argument from pluralism given isn't that great, at least as presented."

As John von Neumann would say: What *precisely* is it that does not convince you in this, erm, little paragraph? Otherwise, as the dude would note, it is just like your opinion, man.

"As presented, it shows a misunderstanding of science and the relation between pure and applied science."

Nah, this is not a misunderstanding of science, but a different understanding of science.