Right, that's what I've been saying. So you understand my point, though I can't quite tell whether you understand that it is my point. Regardless, you understand it.

However, instead of accepting that this is the ultimate source of our value, you jump back to "it's all about maximizing happiness". But you just said it isn't! Happiness is just one trick to make us do what's best. It's a very good trick indeed, but why elevate that one in particular instead of the whole package?

For instance, you can recognize that the happiness button is contrary to survival, avoid it for that reason, and reward yourself with happiness that you were so perceptive. Happiness was instrumentally involved because you can't make yourself do something that you won't do, but it's not in the driver's seat when it comes to value. It's just a cookie you give yourself when you do the right (nonobvious) thing.