How do you divide up the original Generation 1 era?

[dirge]

Continents as we understand them are a Geopolitical distinction

There is a different, geological, basis for what constitutes a continent. And the scientific basis for that isn't entirely settled. Which is I think the point Gok is making.

Non-living. They require a "host" to provide the mechanics of replication.

This isn't universally accepted, either. The general consensus agrees with you, but Gok is alluding to the grey area here.

I'm not going to argue the merits of either side of these discussions, but yeah I think Gok was pointing to grey areas is all.