Actually you couldn't be more misinformed about the book's purpose/nature, DG. In fact he's gone on national television here in the US talking specifically about why giving up eggs is the most important thing one can do if one wants to eat compassionately.
However, the knee-jerk reaction is common - I've heard it from others who also haven't read the book or given it a chance because the author isn't as advanced in his process as they are.
As for veganism being hard or easy...no comment!
Edited to add this brief write-up:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/natalie-portman/jonathan-safran-foers-iea_b_334407.html
I can't find it, but one review I really liked detailed exactly why he thinks Pollan is an a$$.