Hope for the best, prepare for the worst - sound advice, and in that spirit, it's worth examining what is the worst could be.
We've all been told about the 'cliff edge' no deal scenario, which is in truth a well understood return to WTO terms and conditions, so there is nothing much to add here as by now we should all know where we stand and where that is likely to lead.
There is also a variety of referendum reversal scenarios, requiring an extension or withdrawal of Article 50, and a 'people's vote' (though who these 'people' are and why they didn't vote last time is not explained other than bringing inexperienced and impressionable youth into what is an already confused and uncertain debate).
But the one scenario that has not been addressed, because it is currently seen as the least likely outcome, is actually most pressing at this time, and, as such, should not be ignored.
What happens if Mrs May's deal is passed in parliament?
With the initial failure of her WA almost assured, May is already talking to others about linking UK labour and environmental laws to EU regulations, and if she could manufacture an Irish fudge, it might only take Corbyn to allow a free vote, for the resulting abstentions and defections to swing the commons in her direction.
So what happens then?
In a word. Disaster.
Brexit in name only, NI backstop. End of sovereignty, the list goes on, and, unlike the scaremongering we have previously seen, this list is real.
And the effects will be equally real.
Expect early disturbances in Ireland, with the Unionists taking to the streets almost immediately, and such street displays will only increase in frequency and intensity until the official summer Marching Season arrives. How violent these become will largely depend on events outside the North, but bombs and bullets will certainly be on the agenda.
Many Unionists are unhappy with the Belfast Agreement, and with demographics moving against them, this will be seen as possibly their last opportunity to take back control of the province, and unlike the IRA, they have well known and established links to the police and military, so that a Protestant insurrection will take a shape and scale that we may not yet comprehend.
I doubt that the British mainland will also descend into extreme violence, although there will be ugly scenes and much discontent, but things can change very quickly, so, who knows; but the UK government will surely fall, quickly and decisively.
Disgusted politicians and voters will leave the Tories and Labour in their droves and if May doesn't choose to go to the people, the defectors will indeed force her hand. Expect UKIP to become a major force in British politics, probably even the leading party, not enough to win an outright majority, but enough to completely change the composition of the House, and what then: A Conservative/Labour coalition? Unlikely yet almost certain in the name of keeping out the 'Far Right', for which the ground is already being prepared relentlessly in the establishment media.
And all the time that this is going on, we will be trying to negotiate a future Trade Deal which prevents the Backstop from being implemented, while the EU will be blaming Brexit as they squeeze and choke their advantage over us. Expect Gibraltar, Fishing, Financial Services and everything else that they covet to be on their agenda, with only a split and impotent bunch of negotiators opposing them.
Just how bad can Ireland get?
If they take hold, then the new Troubles will undoubtedly spread, not to the British mainland this time, but south, into the Republic where pressure to impose a hard border will be Unionist strategy, thus causing the WA to be null and void. What will Varadker do; will he call for help from the EU and ask for them to assist as 'impartial' peacekeepers?
We do not know what will actually happen, but one thing is certain, whatever occurs, Brexit will get the blame.
