I really liked your well thought out post! I think you hit the 'nail on the head' on multiple important issues such as the need to define the concept itself as well as it's goals, as well as the differentiation of these answers across different people.
Some of us have been getting into answering some of these things from our own perspectives that started here and i tried to compile the discussion via reply on this post. I'd love to hear you're take on things. I doesn't seem like were to far off in our goals.

One other things that hit me was where you were talking about
"groups of people being forced to do things against their will."
On one side I thought of the right action vs. right belief argument. There are a lot of people who mindlessly or begrudgingly perform various religious or cultural actions/ceremonies/etc or even the pledge of allegiance.. just because they feel they need to, whether due to not actually caring, fear of ridicule or worse.
I think this shows a HUGE issue that every individual needs to overcome of finding their REAL self and not just the facade put on for previously mentioned reasons, or others. We live in a world where presentation trumps essence, and that is sad.
Without at least beginning to be self reflective or taking personal responsibility when applicable can a person even take stock of themselves and start to answer the question, 'What do I WANT?"

Anyway, sorry if I babbled. I hope to further the discussion :)