Well, we have a track record of killing most other intelligent species, destroying their habitat, eating them, using them for experiments, and abusing them for entertainment. Falling out of the top position could come with some similar downsides.

Because the history of the species on this planet clearly indicates that the smartest one will brutalize and exploit all the rest. There are good economic (and just plainly logical) reasons why adding "artificial" to the equation will not change that.

Because if we aren’t, it leaves us liable to be exterminated or enslaved to suit the goals of the superior beings.

(and I fundamentally believe that the existence of the human race is a good thing, and that slavery is bad).

Or we just don't want to die/be enslaved/etc

Because we’re the smartest beings on the planet.

And we don’t exactly treat creatures dumber than us with all that much kindness.

Rational self interest? Isn't "not losing my job to a computer" reason enough?