It seems to me the main point of the article is to cut out beef, mutton, and dairy. The difference between that and vegan is relatively small, according to the second chart in the article.

Also, where are all these sanctimonious shitbag vegans you speak of? I've known many vegans, and not a single one has acted that way. Maybe you've just met sanctimonious shitbag people, and their being vegan is irrelevant?