Human genetics would probably have to be the starting point for prioritising them though, otherwise we might end with a FAI governing a planet of plankton or something.

Plankton doesn't have what we consider consciousness. That's why that goal is in the mission statement.

I feel we ought to be fairly cautious with the gene side of things, because the unintentional potential for fashion eugenics, branching off competing species

Given that you aren't the only person who thinks that way Western countries might indeed be cautious but that doesn't mean that the same goes for East Asia or entrepreneurs in Africa.