How to debunk the first cause argument without trying too hard

[Mystic]

It's not special pleading. Special pleading is when the rule applies to it, and you point to an irrelevant difference. If however, you show the rule/premise/case doesn't apply to it, it's not special pleading.

But you cannot show that the premise doesn't apply to god, you can only claim it.  By that reasoning, we can exempt the universe from premise one by claiming that it has always existed in some form.  Presto, the first cause argument is broken.

Sure that would negate the first cause argument, but if an argument was shown that the universe began to exist, then the argument becomes sound.  If the universe didn't begin to exist, then this argument is not sound. However, I've shown arguments that the argument is sound. I also made the following argument in the past:

An effect needs a cause.
A series of cause and effect is an effect itself.
An infinite series of cause and effect is a series of cause and effect.
Therefore it needs a cause.
Infinite series of effect by definition doesn't require a cause.
Therefore it's a paradox.
Therefore infinite series of effect is impossible as it's paradoxical.

This shows non-effect, non-caused cause created all effects.

The problem is not these arguments are not sound and proven by reason.  The problem is people can deny the most obvious truths. For example, someone stated they believe that everything began from nothing and came from nothing.

When we deny knowledge we been given and that is part of "reason", then sure, we can deny proofs of a Creator or God. But with submissive hearts to the truth, everything becomes easy.