[Polycarp]

Would you still argue despite this that JnPaulII--for all his charisma and immense popularity--had the right to command Lefebvre not to consecrate, knowing full well that the Archbishop was old and in ill health and would have no successor to assure the ordination of traditional priests, and knowing full well this would mean the destruction of the traditional Mass?

Who are you trying to kid? Lefevre was indeed permitted to consecrate a bishop. One bishop. He chose instead to consecrate Four. In absolute disobedience to the Roman Pontiff. After being told explicitly of the consequences of such acts! Yes, JPII had the right to allow Lefevre to consecrate ONE bishop. Only one, if JPII thought that prudent. Your plea to emotionalism and necessity does not change this.

And the Indult was granted prior to this, so no claims such as yours here apply.

Would you admit that there are limits to what even a pope may command legitimately in such a dire situation?

No. Rome has spoken. Rome decided it was not dire. Closed case.

Would you admit the past few decades sheds fresh light on what Lefebvre saw

Yes

clearly as an attack on the faith itself which he properly and in good conscience rejected?

No, when he disobeyed the Pope he acted not out of good faith or good conscience but out of foolish pride, thinking he, a bishop, knew better what was right for the Church than the Pope elected by the Holy Spirit.

[ultima ratio]

A couple of points. First the Indult of 1984 brought with it draconian conditions which the Society refused, properly, to accept. Among them was a condition that petitioners for the traditional Mass could have no ties to those who denied the doctrinal soundness of the Novus Ordo Mass. Another was that such Masses could be celebrated only on days and circumstances approved by local bishops. Second, I have never heard of what you assert, that the Archbishop was granted permission to consecrate a single bishop. I have heard instead that this was to be a bishop chosen by Rome. Of course Lefebvre would refuse, again properly so.