psyah, did you read the first link which you referred to?
Your first link "Liberal Christian View of Alcohol - Good academic article" is exactly that - a VERY good impartial article that considers all aspects and verses. The result:
A total prohibition against the use of alcohol is conspicuous
Your second link "Conservative Explanation - another good article" states as summary:
Drunkenness as a condition is condemned
The difference between the two articles is a personnal statement of the "conservative" writer that "In light of the times, even moderate consumption of alcohol by a Christian is not a good idea." **which is not based on the article but rather because the auther feels it is difficult for Christians to not fall into the trap of excessive alcohol use. i can live with his personnal opinion, but that is all it is.
[quote]
My understanding is that intoxicants have been forbidden to the People of The Book
[/quote]
Alcoholic beverages moderately used for enjoyment are not forbidden for the People of the Book, as both your references state.