I'm learning to be more civic-minded through semi-utilitarian philosophy. It's ecologically productive and socially progressive to oppose the meat industry, I don't do it as a result of personal dislike. And while I may be genuine in my opinions, my actions in real life might not reflect that (it won't bother me if the chicken I'm eating is factory farmed or not). As for thanking Smi? Well, my happiness is self-serving. It's productive for me to thank the people who can emotionally uplift me. Plus, I'm more of an existentialist than a nihilist. I think sentience is a wonderful thing so long as it isn't used destructively.