In my reply to ravi, I didn't want to get into the causes. But, based on what you wrote, I don't think we'd have a big disagreement. On that.
Where I strongly disagree with you is in this idea that leftists should "not play along," not provide so-called "left cover" to this or that, which under existing circumstances are really code terms for paralysis, political onanism.
The fact is that ***there's no political independence if there's no political motion***.
If people are not massively involved in a somehow/somewhat coordinated movement, and you're not part of it, then what you have is the illusion of independence. Pretty useless. Leftists should try and keep trying, this and that way, and see what sticks. That's all there is. Really.
Or do you really think your I-told-you-so rights are going to carry you far if you've just been waging the finger from the sidelines, basking in your pristine and useless independence?