This essay lacks any attempt at historical development, i.e. examining how different varieties of Buddhism originated beginning with its birthplace in India, onto Tibet and China, Vietnam and Japan, before jumping the Pacific Ocean in the 20th century. Instead of that rather interesting discussion, this simple straw man is set up:

> "Buddhism is often treated with special regard, as if it is a superior philosophy that correctly identifies the source of all human misery, and correctly lays out the path to its elimination."

Isn't that basically the premise of any religious tradition one could care to name, from the Abrahamic offshoots (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) to every other system of belief one can think of (Hinduism, European paganism, animism, etc.)?

If people find comfort or psychological support by adopting this or that philosophical-religous tradition, (aka the utilitarian argument), there's not really any point in trying to poke holes in their beliefs. The only thing that's unacceptable is when members of one tradition use their belief system as an excuse for persecuting or waging wars on other groups.