You're right in every respect.  I think this change will come, but it may well be too late when it does.  As I've said many times, I believe the church cannot be whole, healthy or holy until every office and ministry in the church is available to every baptized person.  I'm increasingly inclined to think that the change will come from the grassroots, and that at some point the bishop of Rome will affirm the development.  But you're right: it may be too late.  The arguments against the ordination of women are embarrassing. Pope. John Paul's attempt to end debate and discussion ("Because I said so!!) did great harm to the church.