This is not asking if LQ has an IRC channel (I already found threads about that), but if there is a non-distrospecific IRC channel for linux anyway.

I'm not asking so much for a channel that's just about the kernel (although I guess it comes off as that), but for a channel about comparing/contrasting the distros without too much fan bias (just going to a distro's own channel and asking them to compare their distro with another would probably be disastrous )

not really, most irc channels are either distro or project specific.

for opinions about different distros, they are easy to find everywhere.

the only true measure for any distro is how well you like the way it is set up for your own needs.
any other criteria is less important.
[ I personally detest the GNOME desktop, so any distro that defaults to GNOME is out of the question. ( Red Hat's EL and Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu .... ]

I also don't like the multimedia rich bloat that KDE is getting, so the rest of the main distros get knocked off my list of acceptable options.

leaves me with only the option of Linux From Scratch, no bloatware required.

the only way you will be able to truly compare distros is by getting the live cd most distros have and running it, then you can pick one that suits your needs and interests best.

I spend a bit of time on ##linux on Freenode, and it is pretty neutral. Good place to ask some questions, but there are of course going to be zealots and asshats on every IRC channel. The beauty of the Internet.

That is simply not the case, you can find alot of channels on Freenode that are linux channels without being distro specific. You may try #linuxbeginner, #linuxfornewbies, #LinuxForums, #linux-kernel or #linuxhelp. These are just a few you can find on Freenode, there are alot of them. Seek and ye shall find. Have fun.