I'll start by quoting something a headmaster of mine once said:
"Don't bring me problems, bring me solutions."
Ultimately, yes you will have to reason with people, and yes you will need to garner consensus. I've spoken to Matia, who is perfectly willing to try to strike for a middle ground; so we just need to find that middle ground.
I'm thinking of ways to help you guys work this one out - I'll come up with something in a few minutes, I hope.  Talk