The importance of the differences between life and non-life is the same as the importance of the differences between a rock and a mountain. And where does a rock begin and a mountain end? Is it important to anyone but us?
Since we're the only ones using the definition, it's probably best we just make one up; afterall, there will certainly be none discovered within nature herself.
If we count it as life, then it is life. How could it be any other way?
Jon
Check out Apollo's Temple!
Ignorance is temporary; you should be able to overcome it. - nwr