Or we could use other, less threadbare synonyms such as "sort," "like," or "persuasion." Perhaps we should also use capitalization and punctuation, as well.
Perhaps you need a drink, Francis.
I think “ilk” conveys the author’s intent. It appears your larger issue, based on your suggested substitutions, has more to do with the use of a pejorative, more than being overused. Use of a pejorative is meant to convey a certain understanding while your substitutions remove that intended slight and grant some level of acceptance of a proposal or position when no such thing is intended by the author.
JMO - YMMV