The fundamental difference between literalists and those of us who view the world in a humourous, ironic way is that, for the latter, nothing is off-bounds for a joke. We'll always offend those who believe that some matters are sacred, and the literalists will always annoy and disappoint us. It doesn't do much good for the two sides to argue over who's right, as they can't even agree on first principles.
I know ben0x539 can speak for himself, but you seem to accuse him of some form of rabid fundamentalism in order to get a half-baked point across. He didn't make any demands, he just voiced an opinion, which is totally fine, and your attempt of framing him as a dimwit devoid of a sense for irony offends me on his behalf.
Personally, I am not affected much by the use of rape in a joke, except that in general I find it cheap and unoriginal, therefore boring. If someone like Louis CK uses rape in one of his bits, it's funny because he is a comedic genius. Otherwise it's just thoughtless, or stupid even, and possibly brings up hurtful feelings in some people for the gain of nothing.
I see them as distinct phenomena. I don't think making jokes about rape is literally as bad as rape. I'm not concerned that notch might be abusing animals because of his jokes. I don't think rape jokes are dangerous directly because I don't like rape.
I still think people should exercise more caution before making jokes about rape. It's very easy to get them wrong.
As long as they're funny. The more potentially offensive a joke, the sweeter the payoff if the teller hits the right note, and the harder it is to do so.
Personally, I'm fine with goat rape.