It was interesting to see all of the differing opinions stemming from very diverse parenting philosophies. On one hand you have parents say, "Let him have it, what's the harm?" or my favorite, "not to deny himself of what feels good to him throughout his life"(not the best message for boys, don't you think?!). On the other hand you have parents who have been through this and have suffered the real and PROVEN consequences of having orthodontic repercussions (it ain't just genetics, people!!)
You can probably tell where I would stand on this continuum. WE know what's best for our children, they don't. Would anyone hear who said, "let him have it" allow their child to (let's say) go to kindergarden in diapers because they were "afraid" to parent? No, I don't think so. As much as I don't like "abrupt" parenting techniques (CIO, etc) perhaps there can be a middle ground.
So how about finding a more benign comfort object and do a less traumatic transition? Go out together and pick out a really soft teddy or something ("Gunds" are super soft). Even at your local thrift store (make sure you can wash it in hot water before bringing it home). Start including his new "buddy" into your bedtime routine (during storytime and snuggles). Give him a name and make him a part of the family! Have him snuggle with him at night WITH his binky initially. Then, once a bond is established, start phasing out the binky in chunks, with going to bed with being the last one to go. The "new" comfort object will become the preferred method to sooth.
Now, some might say, "Well, that's swapping one "crutch" for another"! To them I would politely point out that a teddy bear is age appropriate, a binky is not (the American Pediatric Association recommends ditching them at one year, preferably 6 months). This is also a gentler method, while respecting his need for comfort also establishes that there are transitions in life and that we aren't resigned to a life of bowing to hedonism and what "feels good".
That's my two cents! lol Hope it helps, but take everything I say with a grain of salt...a lot is being driven by pregnancy hormones! ;)