Well, since Iandefor has retired as devils advocate, I think I will step in to fill the gap. I, however shall move in a different direction----

Establishing- This thread was started on the topic of 'Human life' and its 'value'. Both ideas are highly dependent on the role of Human Nature. For my purposes I will classify three types of human nature- Ideal Human Nature- Average Human Nature- Lowly Human Nature. I understand that this is severely limiting, but the exactitudes could be covered by a mountain of books and many threads itself, so I'm abridging it.
Now, 'why is human nature so important to this post?'- Becasue I propose that the Value of Human life, instead of being measured by the idea of 'self happiness', should be measured by the observable amount he well-being he spreads to others.
At first, this may seem like a popularity contest, but, let me say, that not everyone that is well known tries to make others happy. In fact, there are many retail clerks, public workers, etc. that make people happy (by direct action) without ever having to introduce themselves.
You'll notice that I specified Direct Action. That is because there are many who, through indirect action, make many people happy at once- Politicians, Veterans, Utility Workers and the like. While every has some limited influence througnh indirect action, the certains groups that operate highly in these areas could be judged on a different level. One in which their personal motivation becomes highly influential into their value.
For Example- A man who wishes to kill enrolls in the military and becomes a hero; does he have Ideal,Average or Lowly Nature?- A Politician that is rude and callous to those he personally meets yet is dutiful and concerned for those he represents. How would he rate?
Hm, it seems i have presented more question than i have answered, yet again. Perhaps I'm being too limited in mt scope here but, then again, I did not place the term 'value' in the name of this topic. :P