I agree, but also think that in any negotiation as soon as you remove any option (even one nobody really wants) you are weakening your position some extent. There is a need to at least theoreticaly retain the 'nuclear option' of just walking away. I'm suggesting this in general terms btw, not specifically for Brexit. It's a similar issue with endless extensions - as soon as you remove the deadline, you remove the imperative (from both sides).
That would only be relevant, if there was actually 'a discussion'.
If Boris the ****, had a miraculous solution to the Irish border problem, he wouldn't need to threaten 'no deal' in order to get the EU to approve it.
If he takes it to them tomorrow, they will approve it.
But, even if they did, his ERG will not support the withdrawal agreement, without it. They have said; it's a shit deal. So, in the space of a few weeks, they also have to negotiate all the other shit, until they back down enough for the deal to be acceptable to Reece Mogg.
So if we start off by just Boris presenting his 'plan' for the Irish border, to get things started.
Well he hasn't got one. He hasn't offered the EU anything at all. I doubt he even understands any of it yet anyhow, someone else would have to explain it to him.
And when we talk about the 'threat' of no deal being an incentive for the EU, turn that round: with no deal being on the table & the stated outcome on 31st, what is the incentive to Reece Mogg & the ERG, to accept ANY deal from the EU ? We are leaving on the 31st, they are making money from the ensuing chaos, why would they seek a deal ?
'No deal' is not a 'threat' it's the desired outcome, for Boris Johnson & his ERG gangsters.