Great to bring up this distinction again. I've had a visual imprint of Ray's diagram ever since I saw it the first time, although I couldn't remember the name Panicle it had really helped me remember the rest.
But I still tend to say spike though. I know it's incorrect but it becomes the common name, and the easy one for people to understand who don't know the correct terms.
I dont actually think Ive heard anything but "spike" being used in general conversations regardless if it was raceme, pannicle, or a real spike.
The judges though they speak a different language to me when I hang with them judging the plants and they DO use the terms correctly . Lots of things to soak up. Im a wet sponge right now I need to be wrung out so I have room for more information