Do you think Merkel is, by virtue of Germany's place and role, actually able to virtually dictate terms to the rest of the E.U. on the issues of relief to Greece's creditors (and, let's suppose, to others as they come into need)?

FIFY.

And to answer the substantial question, no. Merkel cannot dictate European policy by virtue of Germany's place and role. Even the BuBa cannot do that.

In the absence of a coherent coalition in opposition to the German line, they can, of course, dictate policy. But that is not quite the same thing.

Which states, together, could face her down?

Spain plus France plus the victims would be a coalition that had a sporting chance of winning. Actually, Spain and France would probably have a sporting chance even without the victims, but the victims would have to have their heads up their asses not to join.

In principle, any two of Britain, France or Spain, plus the loose change, could probably pull it off. But Britain has no dog in that fight.

If there are such, why, for pity's sake (other than reasons of local political imperatives for each of the various heads of state) wouldn't, couldn't the sort of far more reasonable terms as have been described and argued for in this thread occur to the states who it seems should have every self-survival reason to join in requiring Merkel to accept their saner terms?

Divide et impera.

And, of course, Sarko has delusions of grandeur and thinks he can beat the Germans at their own game.

First they came for Greece, but I was not a Greek, so I did not speak up.
Then they came for Portugal, but I was not a Portuguese, so I did not speak up.
Then they came for Spain, but I was not a Spaniard, so I did not speak up.
And then they came for France, and there was no-one left to speak up for me.

- Jake

Friends come and go. Enemies accumulate.