Does the provided text suggest that intellectual debate is as important as having Shraddha and Saburi for spiritual progress?

No, the text clearly prioritizes Shraddha and Saburi far above intellectual debate. In fact, Chapter 2 presents debating as a significant obstacle to spiritual progress. The author recounts how he received a lesson from Sai Baba intended to "destroy my pride" and make his "pride of debating should dissolve." He comes to see debating as a "bad trait" that is "extremely harmful." This negative portrayal of debate is directly contrasted with the subsequent, definitive statement that spiritual goals are impossible to achieve "Without faith (Shraddha) and patience (Saburi)." This juxtaposition firmly establishes that humility, faith, and patience are essential virtues, while intellectual debating driven by pride is a hindrance to be overcome.