Cool, thanks (belatedly!) for the further expansion. I can certainly understand dissatisfaction caused by unnecessary craving or expectations.

I've enjoyed moments of transcendence in my life, but I suspect that doesn't quite add up to the Buddhist conception of nirvana.

One thing I do appreciate about Buddhism is how much of the tenets of the 8-fold Path would improve society in general if more people adhered at least somewhat to their principles - the "right conduct" area in particular.