You could always try the ol' rope-a-dope. You know, "Maybe you're right. This might not work, I see it now. I've been pretty positive, but maybe you're right. I certainly hear what you're saying, and I'm starting to have my doubts too. This isn't working for me, either."
It's risky, but since you're actively thinking a formal S anyway, what do you really have to lose?
It's the ol' RobX "You're right, I'm a crappy husband," only without the sarcasm. You really DO just jiu-jitsu it on them.
