Why couldn’t we still have the 2021 Talarico out there, instead of the more conservative 2026 model.

I've already addressed this.

Being openly pro-trans in a deeply anti-trans state means you’re not going to have any shot at doing anything good.

And to go back to the root of this thread, what you're wanting is him to be the perfect candidate instead of a viable candidate. He can either be a perfect candidate and have no shot or give some concessions and have a shot to actually do something good.

Also the concession in question isn't even that bad of a concession. You view it through the lens that only the first part of the sentence matters and the rest doesn't. If you look at it as a whole what he's actually saying is that he doesn't oppose trans athletes UNLESS someone proves it risks safety or fairness of the sport. From my point of view he's approaching the same issue from the perspective of the conservatives to get them to agree with him.