How successful are Descartes arguments for the real distinction between mind and body? Upon which would you place most weight?

Let me begin by explaining the theory of the real distinction of mind from body. Rene Descartes was a dualist, he believed that the mind is an immaterial thing and is distinct from the body. He believed that the mind is not the body, is not dependant upon the body and so can exist without the body. It is however my opinion that Descartes is not saying 'when the body dies the mind will endure …

…were I would merely be a reconstruction of every other inanimate object which is known to me, just assembled in a different order. How can this be the case? How can I be nothing but a rearrangement of every object, which exists without any hint of life? It is my opinion that my body is merely a physical representation of my minds will, my body is this earthly representation of my self, my mind, 'I'.