I didn't brains were the only way to achieve consciousness, nor did I imply that.

I believe it is entirely possible that we could eventually create AI that is conscious, or at least, would be able to convince it is. Whether this is achievable is different from whether it is possible, but I do think that if we continue down the current line with LLMs and other models, we'll eventually end up with a system that can articulate its consciousness to the point where the Supreme Court will have to make a decision about AI rights.