[Nursie]

I disagree that remaining was a status-quo option.

Firstly it was 'remain' with Cameron's new package of concessions, not remaining as-is, and it's not like the EU is a static entity.

I think I would have preferred a real in-out referendum, with the 'in' option being really diving in and embracing the whole project.

[pjc50]

The "hard remain" option would definitely have lost. The EU is not all that popular even among people who voted remain. Rather like the "oh well, Clinton if I must" voters in the US.

It would have been interesting to see a three-option ballot under runoff voting, but those are completely alien to the UK system.

[Nursie]

More's the pity!

For some reason we have to stick with these archaic systems that produce perverse results...

[ricksplat]

The same reason anybody stays with any archane system: entrenched interests.