I just got an urge to resurrect Frank Herbert to see what he has to say about all this. Wonder who is our dear Leto the God Emperor, the benevolent monster who is dragging an un-surprisingly quiet and docile humanity to its designated future. One hears the monster has 7 heads.

I'm not sure about the hand me down binary model conclusion. We're in agreement regarding the inevitability of this turn of events, but then again it was apparently clear as day thousands of years ago to "self isolating" monks.

But the clarity of the choice is stark, and like a blast of cold air invigorates one's morals and character.

Good luck!