Spot on, well put.

Once I could personally meet or just see people (in person or otherwise) that attempted this kind of rewiring of your synapses I realized how deeply unwell they really are.

And for the untrained eye, your point takes it away: Have a hard look at folks who tried (like Crowley, probably the most documented case) and be wary of following advice on the web that puts your mental health at risk, even on HN.