that was a good one. i like it. it really hits the spot to make one think about exchange and life meaning.
i think he probably didn't go crazy because he didn't go against losing his own individuality, as 'he' became 'we'. and like that he avoid the biggest damage.
the others have too much of a strong sense of self, too successful in their fields, but he was more of a average dude, that became hopeless, since none of his skills were effective for his running away.
he could only embrace what the others feared, losing himself but gaining something in return that gave him his freedom back, at least to some level.
if it will ever pay out, it depends on how one see what is worth. since he becoming something else can be considered a tragic end, as 'he' are died back in the laboratory, and someone new is born from the ashes of many.