i've read only the first message and i don't know if it was answered (i'm pretty sure it was), but i really want to answer too anyway.
i really want to answer about the last part
"Now what was your motivation to do good?"
you think doing good out of fear is wrong?
So what you are saying is... that if your kid is acting bad you shouldn't punish him? if someone is a criminal hurting people you shouldn't throw him in jail? and the whole justice thing that people are trying to do... it's all wrong?
now i will ask you, do you think God needs you to do things for him? out of love or fear or whatever?
you don't understand this part cause only in Islam, the religion has rules for almost every thing, it is literally a life guide.
Why did God gave us rules? is it because it will benefit him in anyway? God is the Greatest, the Absolute Ruler!
He doesn't need us. we need Him. you see, Islam isn't something that you can put on the back of your shelf. it's rules are concerning the most simplest acts of everyday. We pray 5 times a day , so we will not forget it.
"He is successful who purifies himself, and remembers the name of his Lord, and so prays." (87:14-15)
why are we told to remember Him? so we will not go astray!
so... for conclusion, what is the meaning of Islam? Islam means "Submission to the will of God" and in it's ethical sense islam signifies "striving after the ideal". "Islam" and "Muslim" derive from the same word as the Arabic for "Peace", and the best greeting between muslims is "Peace be unto you".
Peace, between the people. Rules so we can live in Harmony and fear so we will remember that there is justice.
and Allah knows best.