The ½ comes from integrating W = Fd. No one is arguing against that.
The equation should be W = mv² = 2Fd. Why? because v² = 2 a*d.
The equation should be W = mv² = 2Fd. Why? because v² = 2 a*d.
There's a pattern of factorial terms you see with successive integrations: 1/1, 1/2, 1/6, 1/24, 1/n!,
Multiplying by 2 changes this to 2, 1, 1/3, 1/12, 2/n!.
I view that as a clear loser, not a winner.