Do you realise that the US 'delegation' for any of these negotiations are very well funded professionals who are well connected with industry and are often being groomed for industry jobs. Some of the delegates are probably actual industry reps. There will be a lot of them and they are paid to throw their weight around. And their weight is the weight of the US economy. The only people in the US who will pay attention to this negotiation and protest if it displeases them are the industry groups.

On the other side the NZ delegates are probably keen for a trade deal.

This truly a case of Lions meeting gazelles. And unless the NZ population stays informed and vocal enough this won't be a deal that brings a net positive to them.

I'm not sure if you realize, but free trade deals are very important for primary-producers like NZ (and Australia).

The US has significant trade barriers in place for things like farm goods, and for many nations almost any price is worth paying to get around those restrictions.

The GP comment is because - from the NZ perspective - being able to access the US market maybe worthwhile taking some restrictions on a dying technology like DVDs.

I think it was meant in jest, but the idea behind it is valid.