"The problem with trying to get loose from the spacetime business is that it works. Einstein incorporated it into his General Theory of Relativity, because with it he could make GR work. Since GR has been extensively tested without finding any problems with it, at least at the scale at which it doesn't conflict with Quantum Theory, any changes are unlikely. If you can come up with an alternate theory that works as good maybe you can sell somebody on your idea. If that it is also simpler, or fixes the conflict with Quantum Theory."

Bullseye. I whole-heartedly agree. Any alternate ideas should be more compatible with Quantum Mechanics and must be compatible with Relativity.

Good atmosphere and good conversation...that's the best.