"As I said, easier said than done. But it will need to be done, eventually, and biding your time, and building your power, until that<em>does</em>become an option, would be the most bloodless and strategic way to win, that I can see. As opposed to, exactly as you say, fighting a war where every inch of ground gained is paid for dearly. He has a<em>lot</em>of inches to spare, after all."