I don't see any inconsistency there. For example, I could imagine a value system that solely values the existence of paper clips. Actions that increase the number of paper clips in the universe are good, while actions that decrease the number of paper clips in the universe are bad. Life has value only in as much as it causes paper clips to exist.

It would be a rather silly value system for a human to have, but there wouldn't be any inconsistency in it.

If paper clips are the highest good, then ensuring that paper clips will be made in perpetuity is also of utmost importance. Only life is capable of knowing the goodness of paper clips, ergo we should ensure life's continuance so as to ensure the continued production of paper clips.

With the invention of machines we could replace life with more efficient automated systems that produce paper clips, but stupid machines cannot adapt to changing circumstances, like outside threats in the form of asteroids, climate change, earth quakes, and so on. Therefore the machines should be at least as intelligent as possible so as to adapt to any circumstances and ensure the continued production of paper clips.

Intelligent machines are simply another form of life. This obviously wouldn't happen overnight, but with the gradual introduction of more and more technology, the creators would more and more integrate with their machines.

Any value system that denies the value of life is simply inconsistent.