Yes, only sentient beings can suffer, but they suffer in so far as they're semi-independent selves. If limited minds, selves or egos are unreal, what's the great crime in suffering? Why must all suffering be eliminated?

This is another major point of disagreement for me, and it's where I bring in existentialism. I think some suffering is honourable in light of the nature of reality. The big question is whether we ought to be at peace with how things really are.