There's a fine line between intractable suffering and hopelessness, where an informed decision is made to withold nutrition and some here have done exactly that. Is it suicide? Or is it death with dignity - these persons were terminal anyway - but that's another discussion. I personally would not judge anybody on making that decision.

Jerry makes a good point - if you're dead your "dream" job doesn't mean shit and if is was THAT great why don't they provide medical insurance?

As far as "extending" your own life goes - only God can do that (or whatever entity you believe in.