The thought experiment wasn't to end sentient life in a glorious generation of virtual hedonism, just humanity. Let the octopi build their ~own VR escapism pods.

I think people really underestimate resources needed to run these VR paradises - it needs mass and energy!

I can fully imagine a totally disconnected VR dwelling civilization that still has hordes or self replicating bots of doom that dismantle planets and stars only to make more memory and compute.

Might very well be more dangerous than a "normal" space faring civilization.

Yes, that's the good future, except the overwhelming majority of people are virtual (keeping meat alive is expensive!)

I would rather not live than live in a world where the only living species is mankind.

Think about a world without trees, birds, plants... well actually just imagine living on Mars.