"I do not think we will ever see anything close to absolute proof in large part because that would eliminate human choice."

This is exactly the point where I disagree with you. Anyone can arrive at absolute knowledge of God. Anyone can see God as clearly as Sun in a clear sky (maybe even more). That is, anyone can arrive at a "place" where one does not have to believe in God because one knows God beyond any doubt. It does not strip a person of free will. Consider e.g. angels who rebelled against God -- they knew God, but still were completely free to choose and go against him. In fact, I'm certain that without absolute knowledge of God, without unshakable proof of his existence and nature, we cannot really choose freely. At best we follow what we were told by people who came before us, at worst our choices are completely random. The result of such choices is pretty obvious when you look around and see the state of our societies.