I think this is the operative point. Even if we agreed on some key escrow system and mandated its use on common devices, that would just make strong crypto som

I think this is the operative point. Even if we agreed on some key escrow system and mandated its use on common devices, that would just make strong crypto somewhat harder to get. You can bet a thriving black market would spring up in no time to serve the need. The choice is not between a world where bad actors can communicate securely and one where they can't. The choice is between a world where everyone can communicate securely and one where only criminals can do so. "If strong crypto is outlawed, only outlaws will have strong crypto", one might say.