Posturing and Compromise... Drawing a line in the sand

Why do we still have these issues... maybe I am just too logical and accomodating who knows but here is my suggested solutions to issues plaguing society;

1) Abortion
pro-choice) Women have the right to do whatever they want with their body
pro-life) Once sperm meets egg, then it is life and should be treated as such
compromise) pick a time when both agree it is really alive and not just a bunch of cells like when the heart starts beating or after the second trimester and say that once it has passed a certain level of development, it is considered alive and you can no longer abort. If you wanted to, you had plenty of time before.

2) Muslims in America
republicans) They stone people to death and women have 1/4 rights
democrats) freedom of religion should let them do what they want
compromise) Both Canada and the USA are based on freedom. But you are not allowed to impose your belief on someone else. So anyone can practice whatever they want as long as they don't force it on others.
Cannibals cannot eat people if they don't want them too
Muslims cannot beat their wives if they don't practice that part of the Muslim faith
Doctors cannot cut patients if the patients don't wish it

I can quickly come up with multiple examples but my point is not the specifics but the whole concept of compromise. Why do people make their line in the sand way too early? Are they afraid of looking weak? Is it a ploy to garner support and money from others? Everyone needs to grow up and move on to more important things...

Like why can't they make low calorie chocolate that tastes good?