I too appreciate the debate even though we are unlikely to ever agree. You preach monotheistic dogma, and your only arguments are capitalized words and quotes from supposed authorities. My method is scientific, so what I learned is the result of studying modern math, physics, biology and informatics, including real world experiments. Stephen Wolfram et al explain this much more thoroughly, but I can try my best.
I did not say "iterations", I said "branching". World's history simultaneously evolves along many parallel paths, and the observers (you and me) merge these paths into shared reality. This is what happens in dual slit experiments or when quantum state is measured. This is how quantum computers instantly find complex molecules where a normal, iterative, computer would spend years. Because this is how nature does it.
There were no pre-set ideal parameters for our Universe to exist. All such parameters happen at once, but we only sample a small corner of a much larger Universe ("Ruliad" in Wolfram's terminology) where they are just right for us to exist. There can be other corners where other intelligent beings appeared too, we don't know. So this is not about humans per se. We may be just a stepping stone to the next level of intelligence, what we call AI, that will go on conquering the galaxy. As Neanderthals were a stepping stone to Homo Sapiens. Who knows. So the cycle of reincarnations is not necessarily dull and hopeless.
Being only "part I" does not absolve us from responsibility for our choices. We constantly inherit the world from ourselves, so we do descend into Hell when we make it hotter with CO2 emissions etc. Or we can make it Heaven by solving hunger and other problems. This is my way of understanding Karma - it is collective!
What I know as a person, yes, will die with my body. But I hope some of my words and deeds will have an imprint on the collective "I" and carry on making a difference. I prefer this Hope to an imaginary one!
