Think Asimov's Aurora. Because at heart, I guess I really am American. I'll keep my mind to myself, thanks. That may make me selfish, but if I'm selfish at least I know I'm still independent. Similar to Descartes' Meditations. I'll take the bad if it means I can still feel, etc.#2: Yes, it seems solid and enviable, although as a city person I'd like to see a balance between organic and inorganic spaces (I can't really say natural vs. man-made because in the explanations posited in the article, it would all be man-made and supported).
#5: Could you explain why you find it awful? I find it philosophically neutral, but I do find myself fascinated by the idea of all humanity coming together to share in one giant mind. Imagine every person as a neuron in a single brain, all working together for something greater than any one of us. This could go both ways, I don't find it inherently bad.