> I feel we are under qualified to speak with conviction about anything else's level of consciousness

You don't need to feel that ... that's the truth!

There is not a human being alive on the planet at the moment who can explain consciousness.

Not even Chalmers.

"David Chalmers - Is Consciousness Fundamental? - Closer To Truth"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDHN6A8y6qY