Just keep in mind that the plural of anecdote is not “data”. Searle tried to recruit enough people with complaints to do controlled studies, but there were never enough to design a statistically valid , double-blind study. So if it gives you a headache don’t use it, but there is no scientific basis to call it a poison.
I don’t want to step into the middle of your argument, but I offer this up. I have been drinking inhuman quantities of Diet Coke for well over 20 years. I am fine. Admittedly, I am not a large enough sample size to base any conclusions on. However, if aspartame was a deadly poison I would be long gone. I am cutting way back, exercising more etc...as I realize I am hitting the big 50. I have slowly but surely increased Diet Coke with water, but not because of any mutations or side effects. I do notice I am less edgy but that is probably because of the decrease in caffeine. Just thought I would offer that up. Happy New Years.