I know you wouldn't want Terri's life to hinge on some sort of poll among young adults. You especially would not want that to happen since the pollster (Mike) neglected to tell Terri that the poll was for "keeps."
As a matter of fact, Terri was not allowed to read the "fine print" on my imaginary poll, at all.
The "pollster" (Mike) also neglected to tell her there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to problems about pulling tubes at the end-of-life. Cases differ greatly. Beliefs of the patients differ, too.
I hope that, while he was polling Terri, Mike explained that, even though starvation may not be painful for terminal cancer patients, starvation would probably will be painful for her if she was not terminal.
I see now why everyone is suggesting a thoughtful filling out of a living will. Terri was denied that option.
A casual comment is not at all similar to a legally written statement.