Yes,but he wouldnt have much to gain by going into a debate with him.The only winner of that kind of debate would be the small guy,the one that's unknown,aka the one that wants to release his own crypto.
Short,he would have much to lose if "lose" the debate and nothing to gain if he would win the debate.And what he and his  team is doing is promising and has alot of potential.And in his position are very few people,but in the small guy's position there could be thousands,it would be a neverending battle,everyone would want to debate him to boost his own project,now wouldnt they ?And its not like hes hiding, he's often doing interviews and answering questions.
Now imagine if the roles were reversed.VB would be the new kid on the block and tpbd would be a big project's leader.Same would happen,its only logical,he wouldnt debate about something thats not set yet and on something that you're still trying to solve,and as the development goes further more problems will arise,its only normal.Not to mention VB isnt the only brain in ethereum's team,the team is huge compared to these one man army projects.