That's exactly it: the common denominator as opposed to the sum total of the demands of all the different groups who opposed the treaty.

Might as well retain the treaty of Nice.

By the way, the bit about subsidiarity and proportionality goes against your desire that the EU get involved in things like protecting the national cultural heritage as in Tara.

When the capital development of a country becomes a by-product of the activities of a casino, the job is likely to be ill-done. — John M. Keynes