If we could do a deal with Brussels that protects our borders from mass immigration, and removes our laws being set by unelected officials in the EU, then I don't think many would really give a toss about staying in.
If a satisfactory deal can't be done, then put it to the people. We, the general unwashed, are the ones mostly affected by the main issues. The intelligentsia just sit in their ivory towers totally unaffected, passing judgement.