Yes, I remember that. I was so p-o'd at Pelosi. Any public option was better than no public option.

But the OP seems to be saying O-care should cover more people. I can get behind that. I've long thought it was ridiculous to tie medical care to employment. As I recall, not a single R voted for O-care, even after attempts at bipartisanship. [looking it up, not a single House Rep voted for it, and one Senate Rep abstained]

I recall thinking at the time that Obama was wasting energy trying to negotiate with the Republicans. They steadfastly opposed any and all parts of it. Even though the individual mandate was conceived by the (conservative) Heritage Foundation during the debates on Clinton-care in the 90s. As you explained, the Dems had to pass O-care alone, which means they had to herd cats. Though in later years, Republicans actually saved O-care (e.g. John McCain with his famous "thumbs-down" vote during the Trump years).