alec1898 wrote...
If I could think of any counter-argument, it would be why would the Catalyst show or even mention the Destroy option if it in turn releases him from their hold.
Firstly, if you notice, the Catalyst doesn't present the Destroy option...
"Anderson" does...

You see the white circle, you see Anderson shooting the tube, and then Astroyboy tells you "hey, you'll kill the Geth too"
Secondly...
Saren: I've studied the effects of indoctrination. The more control Sovereign exerts, the less capable the subject becomes. That is my saving grace.
from the codex...
A Reaper's "suggestions" can manipulate victims into betraying friends,
trusting enemies, or viewing the Reaper itself with superstitious awe.
Reaper "indoctrination"
is an insidious means of corrupting organic minds, "reprogramming" the
brain through physical and psychological conditioning using
electromagnetic fields, infrasonic and ultrasonic noise, and other
subliminal methods. The Reaper's resulting control over the limbic
system leaves the victim highly susceptible to its suggestions.
The Reapers bring people around to their way of thinking. They psychologically condition people to think a certain way, and that requires breaking down their will...
The limbic system is highly active during dream states, and it's notable for emotional associations with imagery. People in dreams will often be metaphorical representations. Anderson represents the part of Shepard's brain that is fighting indoctrination...
Obviously, this is far more than a dream; it's an invasion of the mind by Cyborg Cthuhlu to bring the most useful thrall in the galaxy around to their way of thinking...
Now let me ask you this...
Why would the Catalyst present the Destroy option if it wipes out all of the Reapers?
It doesn't solve the problem he's presented to you at all...
In fact, it directly undermines him, it destroys all of the life he has carefully preserved in Reaper form...