Whether it is outside directors, leverage or corporate focus, the creative use of fudges and loopholes such as asset revaluations that reduce debt ratios can minimise substantive change.
But even with all its shortcomings and sentimental fudges, there is something about McCarthy's refusal to lie down and play the victim that gives it a comic edge.
But it is still permitted and if done, it will be led by the European Central Bank, allowing the ECB to use the 500bn euro fund in a way that fudges fiscal and monetary intervention.