I understand your perspective, sometimes I have had similar thoughts about Kurzweil. At the same time I relate to him. The notion of death deeply troubles me - and I know that intelligence can be so much more than we currently are. I know that existence (as great as it can currently be) can still be so much more.The tone of the article makes me curious about the very human side of Kurzweil. It sounds like he wants it so bad that it may have become religion for him. I don't know if that is accurate, but it certainly occurs to me. He sounds like he's ready for the worst, but I almost feel bad for him in a way. He seems way too certain, and to read about him keeping himself in perfect shape for that little extra push towards the end...if it were a Hollywood movie they'd certainly write him as a tragic character anyway.
It can be almost crippling to think on the possibilities of intelligence and existence extended. It may be the most fundamental human desire. Beyond just exciting the curious mind, the fantasy is so intimately entwined with our most basic self preservation instincts. Arguably the most interesting and important question human beings can tackle. No goals loftier. No stakes higher. If it has become religion for Kurzweil, insomuch as it has, I don't blame him one bit. This is where every religion humanity has ever know has come from.