I’m developing a Hard Sci-Fi universe that replaces the Kardashev Scale with biology. What do you think of this framework?

Hey r/scifi,

I’ve been obsessed with the idea that the classic, mechanical vision of space travel is obsolete. Advanced civilizations shouldn't conquer space physically—they should operate on quantum information. I created a hard sci-fi model of universe communication built around what I call The Mycelial Scale.

I’d love to get your thoughts on this core concept and the plot I’m building around it:

The Hook & Lore:
The universe is a galactic network of pure information (The Matrix). Our human bodies and neural microtubules are the physical manifestation of an evolutionary algorithm broadcasted via quantum-entangled particles billions of years ago. Our fascination with dreams and spirituality is a pre-installed ROM block built into our genetic code, driving us to connect. However, modern civilization and "ego static" jam the frequency, turning cosmic data into chaotic, surreal dreams.

Instead of measuring a civilization by energy consumption (Kardashev), The Mycelial Scale measures evolution by data-processing and consciousness synchronization (like the forest's Wood Wide Web):

• Stage 0 (Dormant Spore): Purely biological life. The conscious receiver is off.
• Stage I (Germination): Humanity today. Trying to listen (meditation, dreams), but drowned out by ego static.
• Stage II (Spreading Hyphae): Mastering REM sleep to create a localized planetary mind-network free of static.
• Stage III (Matrix Contact): Plugging the planetary network into the galactic Wood Wide Web. Instant fusion of consciousness across time/space.
• Stage IV (Full Symbiosis): Achieving true, bi-directional connectivity. Humanity becomes an active creator, capable of broadcasting its own quantum impulses and seeding new spores across the cosmos without losing physical identity.

The Narrative Core:
I’m centering this lore around a techno-thriller plot: An MIT neuroscientist is building a "neuro-bridge" to reach his daughter, who is in a terminal, unexplained coma. He discovers her brain damage accidentally switched off her "ego static." She has become the first raw receiver of the Matrix on Earth, but the colossal cosmic bandwidth is physically frying her neurons.

To save her, he can't "cure" her—he has to distribute the data weight. He must team up with a contemplative monk (who spent 20 years silencing his mind) to hack the global network and force the entire planet into a synchronized REM state for just one night, absorbing the transfer and triggering Stage III for mankind.

Would you read a book or watch a movie with this premise? Does the quantum/mycelial framework feel grounded enough for elevated sci-fi? I'd love a brutal critique of the logic!