I disagree with your statement about predators being the only form of intelligent life to attain technological acumen.

Predator populations have a distinct disadvantage that will prevent that. They'll always be tied to prey populations in constant cycles of population boom and bust. They're also most often solitary species, not cooperative.

It'll always be omnivores, like us. If you look at other species today that are cooperative, have more stable populations over time, use tools, and farm, that's where you find species making developmental advancements.

I think the best place to look for the next intelligent species on this planet will be amongst the species descendents of modern day dolphins, racoons, otters, other primates, ants, etc.

Every one of those species with the exception of dolphins is an omnivore, not a carnivore.

Otherwise very good essay.