I use jigs, lures, minnows, whatever the crappie want.

I use my live well as it is convenient to use. However when I am underway the pump must be turned off until I arrive at the next fishing spot. So I don't see where it makes a difference in using a minnow bucket and a live well other than space saved on a boat.
So if space is tight then try to convince him to use the live well, explaining space is tight. If space is not a problem then leave him alone. You might end up losing a fishing buddy if you don't.
