-The Brit elite still think of Russia in the 19th c. terms of the "Great Game"...the idea that they will willingly loose the requisite colonial mindset which has taken them near 200 years to inculate is asking a lot: it's part of their identity.

Again, just to stress the point, muscle memory only works up to a point. There could be a point of inflexion imo, where more able admin takes over? I know, it just might be wishful thinking, in a sense, but nevertheless, it should be on the table, so to speak. Hence my popcorn : )