I think you may have missed my point - I was simply pointing out no one on the "pro" EU side has a positivist story to tell. You may not find those particular arguments convincing, and I chose them at random for arguments sake.

I think many countries joined the EU for different reasons apart from the ones I have suggested above. Despite all the austerity thrown at the Greeks, Cypriots, and other countries their willingness to stay in has remained as strong as ever - why?

And if the answer is handouts, then I'm sorry I don't think that's the whole story. Greece is now so indebted it'll take generations to solve.