it's not the responsibility of the EU to give us the best possible deal - it's their responsibility to give the 27 the best possible deal.

Completely agree, but a free trade deal would be the best possible deal for us all.

Believe it or not, the EUs primary interest is what it thinks is in the best long term interest of the EU, including trade and social and political aspects.

I do believe that, but I do not believe their negotiators are acting on that. If we made a success of Brexit it would reflect badly on the EU and they seem willing to take a hit themselves to prevent that happening.