The ego isn't more or less illusory than any other phenomenon.
So you both expressed it very well.
色即是空
空即是色
Discussion
I have experienced kensho.
I have run in the forest and heard ear splitting silence. The volience of nothing behind the sound.
I have looked upon a tree and seen it shimmer and pop from reality.
I looked at a cup once and it's whole nature was revealed in two dimensions (a common phenomenon)
I have seen the angry face of my mother hover in front of the face of the buddha, like a mirage, and I laughed.
I also still get pissed off when my wife doesn't sort out her clothes. So... There we go.
Enlightenment is real. It's hiding in plain sight. Laughing at you.
If theres someone who's "experienced kensho,"
it ain't the final word.