Sam2:
A) I said “perhaps” for a reason, not exactly being a boki in the origins of cholent.
B) That said, I don’t believe that that is the only hypothesis about its creation. I’ve heard of a lot of them.
C) Even if it were in response to such sects, it could still be around in the time of Chazal, as the Karaites were basically ripoffs of the Sadduccees and the Boethusians (Tzedokim and Beitusim), who had similar laws.
D) Either way, I still believe that there was probably no cholent in the time of the gemara and mishna, making this argument a moot point and reinforcing my previous post.
Please excuse me for taking up your time with a useless argument. I’m in a debating mood tonight.