ATF, 
I like what McElroy is doing out there, and I sincerely hope it takes root and expands.   I'd not place TOO much emphasis on the "vote" by the laity however, at least not just yet.  I could easily imagine a scenario wherein the laity's wisdom and experience of the Eucharist leads to a call to allow people now officially "banned" from the sacrament, to be included.  That could put the bishop at odds with Rome should he "accept" that kind of a vote in his diocese.  I'm pretty sure "rules" would win out.

As noted in the talks addressed in Michael Winter's post yesterday, Cdl. Wuerl has pointed out that before the church can make headway on the "rules" it teaches, it must first find a way for people to encounter Jesus (in the church).  These days, that's a tall order to fill it seems, made especially difficult by that focus on rules.  That's why I think the local synod is a great start in the right direction.