Even if all you write is correct, there is no such thing as coerced behavior in the USA. So Pence could have simply declined to perform the so-called “ceremonial” acceptance. If challenged, he could have resigned.
If impeached, he (and trump) could have presented the state level evidence gathered up until that point in time. The states would have been forced to rebut the charges in the court of congress and the court of public opinion (which seems fair).
Yes, it would have been difficult and a constitutional crisis of sorts, but better than sliding further into darkness as we seem to be doing now.
Post #66
Well said!