It sounds like we are quite in agreement upon this topic. :c)
I personally feel that if we generally desire to live our lives beyond a certain quality of living standard, then the next consideration ought to be what population level the World can comfortably accomodate with this living standard in mind.
And this, without getting into the notion that it might perhaps be desirable to voluntarily 'not' maximize our populations. That which humans do not claim, nature shall - and nature is generally a good thing for the planet. Time to give more than we take.
As for large families - the most legitimate reasons for such tend to surround producing a loyal and cheap workforce for working the land...
These are the means by which they are able to work more land and lay a claim to it... and land is wealth - at least within a historic context.
As for those who have kids because their views say so (and particularly with the aim of gaining influence through occupation an number) - a review of their priorities may also be beneficial. ;c)
(text emojis work just fine. ^_~)