"ichkeria, as I recall Cameron promised a referendum on EU membership if there were any major changes to the EU treaty, and the ones Merkozy put forward could not have been explained away as minor. So as far as I can see, Cameron has opted out of joining the revised-treaty EU in the hopes that staying in the old EU will still mean something"
Hmm, maybe. That does seem, if it's true, pretty desperate on his part. Doesn't the UK already have crucial opt-outs on just about everything anyway? And I think most people were resigned to him not having a referendum anyway. Promising a referendum on membership - rather than simply on any revised conditions, is madness.
"Meanwhile, eurosceptics are saying EU membership only hindered Britain's development, and it will once again become a great nation despite losing both its empire and Europe as trading partners. I'm not convinced, but we'll see. "
Well, as you say, who knows, but it strikes me as hopelessly delusional and pie-in-the sky. The world has moved on. Smaller countries can only get things done in blocs - that I am sure is the reason all responsible politicans, especially when they get into power, suddenly see the benefits of the EU.