Maybe "we already have ems so why bother researching AI?" It seems weak - ems are hardware-expensive and anyway people will research AGI just because they can.

From a utilitarian point of view, once you can create a VR, why would you want to create an FAI? On the other hand, if you create an FAI, wouldn't you still want to create WBE and VR? If you had WBE and VR, would you want to create more existential risks by making an AGI? The motive would have to be non-utilitarian. "Because they can" seems about right.

Also, about the bioconservatives objecting and libertarians becoming more interested. A Seastead would be the perfect retreat for WBE researchers.