Most people would embrace economic growth, democratic elections, etc., if they had the security to make it happen. Fortunately for the Kurds, they were covered by being in the "nofly zone" throughout the 90s, so they were de facto their own country.
It will be hard to get them to consider even a loose federation with Iraq Sunnistan and Shiastan. I'm afraid that there will be war with them either from Turkey (who accuses them of hiding Kurdish terrorists), or a "united" Iraq to the south over the Kirkuk oilfields. So our continued presence may be critical for their survival.
This would be an interesting debate because so many factions in the Middle East have pushed for a very different form of government rule and economic policy. Tyranny, oppression and government corruption seem far too common for an area with such vast natural riches and great historical significance.