[Moonman62]

5. They did not have enough delta-vee to reach the ISS. The orbits were too different.

But what if you also add the delta-vee available to the ISS? I know there were other obstacles, but what if they started preparing a rescue the day after launch?

[No Truce With Kings]

"But what if you also add the delta-vee available to the ISS? I know there were other obstacles, but what if they started preparing a rescue the day after launch?"

The orbits were in different inclinations. ISS could not have made the plane change.

[chaosagent]

Is what you're trying to say is that they should move the ISS to the Shuttle?

If so, the ISS doesn't really have any propulsion capabilities, only small thrusters for stationkeeping.

On top of that I doubt it would stay together if you tried to move it. It's not designed to move.