Should we change the way we pitch light rail in Cincinnati?

(I considered putting this thought in the "Cincinnati Light Rail" thread, but that has been dormant for over a year, and the message recommends starting a new topic.  Mods, feel free to merge this is you would like.) 

After seeing the attack the streetcar plan has been under, both locally and at the state level, I am feeling discouraged about the prospects of light rail in Greater Cincinnati.  I have long wondered if there is a better way to draw support from parts of Cincinnati and Hamilton County that are generally not receptive to the streetcar, or to rail.  Is there another approach that might pick up steam outside of the downtown/OTR area? 

I really don't have an answer, but I wonder if such an approach exists.  Two things I have thought:

1) As far as the streetcar goes, obviously doowntown/OTR is first in line, presumably followed by the uptown connector/circulator.  What would be the effect of coming out and saying that the next streetcar line, assuming success of the first part, would be on the West Side?  Would that generate support with a group that may otherwise be lacking?

2) From a light rail perspective, in addition to focusing on the West Side, I have also been thinking about the suburbs closer to the 275 loop, but still in Hamilton County.  Would it be possible to get support of places like Sharonville, Anderson Twp., Colerain Twp., etc., by agreeing that the rail could not be extended beyond their communities for a set period of time?  These farther-out suburbs are obviously looking at places like West Chester, Mason, etc. (and heck, things like Monroe and Lebanon) and seeing residents flooding there.  The light rail would give them an advantage that they don't otherwise have in relation to those communities.  (I understand that 2002 levy issue was Hamilton County-specific, but I don't recall any limitations of this kind, and I assume that if it was successful, places beyond the county limits will be looking to join up.)  It would be sacrificing a bit of regionalism in favor of getting the line done. 

I only toss this out as a discussion point.  I see those of us who support public transit waiting for the rest of the region to come around to our way of thinking.  Gas is now almost 4.00/gallon, but I don't see any groundswell of support for public transit.  At the same time, the streetcar has lost funding and now faces legal obstacles to future state funding.  It doesn't seem like people are coming around, and i wonder if there is a different approach that can offer those who may otherwise oppose public transit an incentive to get on board. 

Thoughts?