That just doesn't come across as a person with a solid proactive master plan, more like a reactive stance where they'll only pursue it once forced. Reminds me of the Red Green show's lodge mantra "I can change, if I have to, I guess".
It does seem, according to that statement, that Tesla is taking a reactive stance instead of the preferred proactive stance you'd like them to take/you think they need to take in time for the Gen III car. The reality is that Tesla doesn't have the resources to go the way you want them to go, not at this time. It's like taking a knife to a gunfight. Tesla can't out-spend, out-lawyer, out-politician, and out-media the entire United States dealership, oil etc... network. They can't and attempting to do such a thing will destroy them, taking valuable resources away from the Secret Master Plan and all that they are currently doing; China, RHD market, AWD Model X, Super Charger Network, Battery Swap Stations, Giga Factory... You must understand that fundamentally.
What Tesla does have in abundance and of at least in equal proportions (I think more) to the 'baddies' is brain power, and I consider their current approach to be wickedly clever. Continuing to present themselves as the 'little guy/underdog' (because they are), letting segments of the public become outraged/take action like showing up en masse at these backdoor meetings/taking politicians for rides in the car/etc..., and letting the 'big, bad wolf' stomp all over Granny, while proclaiming at the top of his lungs how he's just concerned for Granny's health has already shown to pay off and will continue to pay off, imo.
You don't think the mass market will go out of their way to get a Gen III car if they have to. I think you're entirely wrong about what middle America will do when that car hits the streets and starts making waves and someone tries to tell them they can't have it. People camp out in horrid weather conditions for tickets to a concert, for a chance to get on American Idol, to try and get that special toy for their kids for Christmas, to make a statement about this or that. They break the law to protect endangered species, to stand up for things they believe in, to shine a light on injustices. They chain themselves to trees to protect natural resources, people purposely disrupt traffic and businesses, and they start revolutions risking death to oust corrupt leaders. Never underestimate the power of people who think they've been wronged, especially if they also feel helpless and hopeless.
I also think there's likely more going on behind the scenes at Tesla on this front. I can almost imagine a huge war room table with an elaborate, coordinated plan of attack laid out on it. Elon Musk had to know this fight was coming, and I have no doubts that he already played out every possible approach, strategy and scenario. I wouldn't be surprised if he also calculated a percentage of success or failure to each.
Have a little faith. (And do what you can as an individual.)
