With a virtual mind, you probably have a good understanding of how things work and be able to edit them trivially

We can't explain the inner workings of deep-learning NNs today (hell, it seems like we can't even explain emergent behavior in a simulation game), so you think we'll be able to understand and edit a mind? All signs point to the contrary.

but there's no reason to assume that with artificial beings.

But there is. We can't even fine tune complex software that's a far cry from AI.

Except guys like Musk are helping move that number farther and farther into the future

I seriously doubt that even the venerable Elon Musk could have such a profound effect on the progress of humanity.

It just shows how easy it is for guys like Musk to make people scared.

Oh, Elon Musk scares me, but that has absolutely nothing to do with AI.