That's a fair response, and we may disagree here somewhat, but to me there's a subtle redefinition of "ego" going on when we talk about traditionally "selfless"

That's a fair response, and we may disagree here somewhat, but to me there's a subtle redefinition of "ego" going on when we talk about traditionally "selfless" acts or charity or, as you put it, commitments to causes larger than individuals. To me, certain egos are fed by selfless works and dedications to grand causes. This is not to say that's a bad thing or that we don't want to create incentives to have more of this, but I do think it circles back to the original problem of the ego. It's just that certain people's egos are more effectively fed when not focusing just on themselves.