The way I look at this, it is not a factual question. Rather, it is a question of whether we should broaden what we mean by “human” to include earlier hominids. Evidently @Patrick thinks we should, while you are not so sure. I’m neutral on this. So I will just sit back and watch.
I have the impression that Denyse O’Leary (in posts at UD) does at least want to include Neanderthals.