I really think the mystical experience, however it's catalysed, is a real experience.
You said it really well in your post there Legarto, this is a universal experience. This is why I think the state, the dimension experienced is a reality. This experience is universal across cultures, and has been throughout history, yes it is very often the basis of these cultures, they viewed the experience as being genuine. A lot of these cultures were very advanced, sophisticated cultures too.
Another reason why I think the experience is real is because of the results. This experience gives people, and cultures a genuine code of ethics, not based on dogma or just philosophy and supposition, but on fundamental truths that are personally experienced.
Anyway, that's just my personal opinion.:d