The problem with absolutist solutions to fermi's paradox (like this one) is that they assume all conscious entities are just like us. But that is a big assumption.
What about the sentient species that evolves an abhorrence for artificial experience? What about a sentient species with a radical minority of religious devotees who refuse the happiness boxes? (I can easily imagine that w our own soecies)
In short, it seems to me that all or most of the fermi paradox solutions require a serious lack of imagination
