I do think the impact of emotions on our thinking is understated, but I also think that focusing on this aspect is going at it backwards. A value system is necessary for emotions, otherwise happy and sad mean nothing. I think this is what you mean when you talk about "modeling emotions". At the same time, some intelligence seems like a prerequisite as blindly following a value system will lead to massive hedonistic AI orgies. Er, I mean, an override mechanism is required, and intelligence is the best possible solution, so we're back at the fundamental problem. I think there is a lot more intelligence behind even our most primitive urges than we realize. Hope that made sense, typing on mobile.