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I'm writing

Point three is actually really interesting, but to[reduce its influence] I'll point out that [counter arguement].

What I'm getting at here, is that I'm not claiming to completely refute the argument, I just want to dismiss it as 'no big deal'.

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dismiss would be apt here

Treat as unworthy of serious consideration (Oxford)

You can also brush aside/shrug aside the argument. (IMO, aside is less strong than off, which you can use.)

Arguments can be weak. I don't think weaken is idiomatic here, but you can paraphrase it:

Point three is actually really interesting, but weak/thin/flimsy (or overstated), as shown by [counter arguement].

In case only a single word that means 'to reduce' will do, you could use undermine, (maybe)

Lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously:

I'm not sure it works here, though.

For a single word that means 'to deal with', you could

pursue/examine/analyze the argument. The ngram shows that pursue is the most idiomatic one.

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  • I dont think he wants to dismiss it, but simply to argue against but not completely contradict
    – nickson104
    Commented Jul 7, 2015 at 9:37
  • @nickson104: Yes. I'm still waiting for a single word that describes exactly that to come to me or someone else, if it exists at all.
    – Tushar Raj
    Commented Jul 7, 2015 at 12:41
  • I agree, I would really like to see such a word. There are many words that can be applied, but none I can think of to that exact meaning. Either way, this was a good answer, especially once expanded
    – nickson104
    Commented Jul 7, 2015 at 12:45
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I think I'd use the (more diplomatic) expression:

To put things into (the right) perspective:

  • (idiomatic) To compare with something similar to give a clearer, more accurate idea.

Wiktionary

  • Point three is actually really interesting, but to put things into the right perspective I'll point out that [counter arguement].
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I’ll try to address the “to deal with [arguments/points]” portion of your question with “address” or one of its single-word synonyms suggested by Merriam-Webster (handle/field/treat [or, if two words are ok, “respond to”]):

2 a: … b : to deal with : treat (intrigued by the chance to address important issues — I. L. Horowitz)

In fact, if ‘Point 3’ is truly “[actually really] interesting” (and you’re not just saying so out of politeness), I’d still go with “address” (with some slight paraphrasing):

Although ‘Point Three’ is actually really interesting, I will/can address/respond to it by [simply] pointing out that [the earth is not flat/the center of the universe/whatever].

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