Yeah, I have no illusions that any of this is likely easily achievable. Though I disagree fundamentally that proportional representation is in any way parochia

Yeah, I have no illusions that any of this is likely easily achievable. Though I disagree fundamentally that proportional representation is in any way parochial, it makes complete sense for small states to cynically hold onto to influence they hold even if it's not democratically reasonable (just like I wouldn't expect UN security council veto-holders to willingly give up their seat even if it were reasonable). But similarly, the current system is extremely undemocratic. A more realistic path therefore would be to split the large states; small states don't get as easy a veto over that.