Good Morning~ :)
You bring up many valuable points that dig deeply into all sides of your original question.
The answers sometimes aren't as clear as they may seem to us individually. There are times when we need guidance and there are times when we need to strike out. Other times there is a need for assurance.
All of these combine to a struggle of independence and need for one another.
Our friend Don Barzini focused on how the government "should" approach our personal choices. This pertains to a huge part of all our lives and how we are forced to interact with the law and black and white.
As Don pointed out, the black and white law system simply does not work because of individual beliefs.
Because of Wakko's leading questions above, I was already thinking about the other angle of liability of human life.
This brings us back to your open-heart and willingness to take into consideration others' feelings and guides.
There is no right or wrong answer.
I, like you, have found a huge part of wisdom by experiencing life, and having an open mind. Hopefully, we all absorb what we can, accept the parts that work for us and toss out the parts that don't.
In doing so, we create a kaleidoscope of ideas where choices can be made.
It's all in perception.
I'm not sure if I am allowed to do this because it might be viewed as soliciting. Please delete this part if it is. I would like to add for you, one of the books I read was "The Journey of Souls," by Dr. Micheal Newton. It might give another outlook to help through your journey on Earth.
Also, I do not swear by this belief nor do I impose it on you as a way of life. Just another possible reference book for an understanding of your already known knowledge. Hugs and Loves, Always! Merlin :) :)