I have read James' essay, years ago. Which is why I reject his thinking.

The ship owner example works because Clifford set it in a way that a choice has to be made, and sufficient evidence *is* available.

None of which goes for god, pretty much the chief recurring example in James, Kant, and Pascal.

You are correct, I don't consider god a live option, and I think it is irrational to do so. And I don't consider a choice in that respect to be forced, since one can remain agnostic. Nor is it momentous, since it has no practical consequences.