Perhaps it's time for the USCCB to grow some, and go ahead and issue an order for mandatory reporting, despite the Vatican's objections.  Could actually force the Vatican's hand, one way or the other.  If it pulls whatever strings it needs to to vacate that order, it would undercut so much of what Francis and Vatican were about relative to Synodality (etc.)  And that would also require a much better defense of what the Vatican insist on that we've seen thus far.  If the Vatican does NOT override such an edict, then perhaps the "local" order would set a precedent that would allow other conferences to do the same.  

The public and the laity have sure been calling for this now for a long time.  By forcing the fight, I'm guessing the Vatican would have to address that laity in language that is clear, and makes sense, and that is persuasive at a common sense level.  And I for one, don't think that's possible with the church's current position. 

(I know, I know...  but it IS nice to dream)