Accepting that we're each exceptional would be inconsistent with the Hindu or Buddhist view of the conditions of moksha.

Not so fast :D In e.g. Ramayana you will find the following (and all those views exist in parallel):

Once Lord Rama asked Lord Hanuman, “How do you see me?” And Lord Hanuman replied, “When I see myself as a body, then I see myself as your faithful servant. When I see myself as the soul, I see myself as a part of you. And when I see myself as Absolute, you and I, my Lord, are one and the same.”

The goal is supposed to be freedom from the shadow world, in deference to the hidden unity or underlying consciousness.

As I said many times, you imagine enlightenment in line with popular myths about it. Not that they are completely incorrect, but one should not take them literally.

fallen material world

LOL, that's that twisted gnostic idiocy that also Saul was so fond of. Let me tell you - we never left Eden. Or in other words - all is perfect. Material world included. It never fell anywhere. That's just illusion.

Enlightenment is an awakening to a more fundamental reality, together with a shifting of loyalties away from the tricks of multiplicity, from our genetically determined instincts, social conventions, and tribal prejudices.

Again, that does not mean that you eradicate Maya / Shadows / etc. You will only see them for what they are. That in turn ultimately informs your behavior, etc.

Anyway, consider and ponder this - enlightenment liberates you from death and you become immortal, and yet you will die anyway. According to your interpretation it should be impossible and still it's the reality of how things are. What's up?