Had the Nephites understood how to listen, the solution to their doctrinal difficulties was available. “Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily…” did teach. When there is a doctrinal difference of opinion, men may debate it endlessly. Talented men may create wonderful arguments. They may still be wrong in spite of their wonderful arguments.
The key to doctrinal debate is the very key Mormon gives us. Revelation is the answer. These things come from God, and he knows the resolution to the issue. He will tell his prophets, and they will tell us. We may know how to resolve an issue only when God gives us the answer from his perspective. Until then, we are using our might to tell God what the answer ought to be.
When Nephi, Lehi, and their brethren taught, the knowledge from God was available. As always, however, it was available through men, and because they were men, other men could dismiss them. Even with the great power of men such as Nephi and Lehi, men are able to see only the humanity and miss the truth of God that they teach. Thus the contentions arise, thus the truth was taught, but the dissentions will continue.