Just because one person has an interpretation that matches your own doesn't automatically make all other interpretations that you disagree with false.

With the novels, there is only one interpretation about Kirito's motivations because you are actually told directly what they are via first party account. That information is missing from the anime. Thus, both interpretations are valid there because Kirito has practically been a silent protagonist. Due to his actions in early episodes, the audience can't even be sure he's isn't lying to other people.