The problem with this strategy is that this was never actually explicitly put forth to Hong Kongers. Rather the mainstream libs became captured and locked into a position by it's most dirigist youth element. What "rights" HK enjoyed were privileges provided for good behavior. The
self destructive strategy was pushed forward by the radicals and the mainstream Dems were foolish to think Beijing would budge on an issue which ultimately touched upon sovereignty. What the Lam Cau crowd doesn't quite understand about both Beijing and themselves is that at heart
Hong Kongers are a venal and cowardly people and Beijing cares far less about any reputational hits. Once actual repression starts, their martyr complex is going to disappear real damn quick, particularly once journalists start being targeted.
