1) You point to nothing in this paper, other research, my comment, or contemporary comments of others to support that hypothesis.
2) The behavior you describe skeptically could match equally well a society where most people live unaware of a great truth hidden to them, in part because the government has made even acquiring information illegal.
In North Korea, a small minority whisper fantastical ideas that are difficult to comprehend, let alone believe. Most of the world is not starving. Places exist with untold self-determination. Our leader is not God. These people often speak with an almost "evangelical zeal".
3) Do you see me doing thrill-seeker liquor store holdups with a "Born to Lose" tattoo on my chest? Ok that was De Niro, but the point is how do you explain people who do not fit the profile? I am not new age, spiritual, or culturally connected to these ideas. I resent mysticism, super natural forces, and magic.
Of course I accept the possibility of being wrong. But the little recent research governments have allowed hasn't yet pointed to that. And until it does how can I deny things that, while anecdotal, are based on first hand observations?
Maybe we'll have solid data some day, if I'm wrong I'll buy you a beer.