No comment here really engages with the core argument in Erik Hoels text. Utilitarianism must be the basis of EA.  How would you measure effectiveness if not through maximizing utility? 

I identify as an EA, and have been drawn to utilitarianism my whole adult life, but always got stuck on the seemingly impossible problem of comparing suffering and pleasure. I guess some form of rule utilitarianism is where I ended up. (e.g. don't kill unless to stop a killing), but it doesn't completely solve the problem.

Ah thanks, I searched for Erik Hoel before posting but it didn't turn up.

I really think EA should get involved in trying to answer how to best deploy billions of dollars, and not just focus on the marginal impact of millions USD.