Starmer is definitely playing the odds now, he knows that winning the GE will need him to take most of the traditional Labour vote with him, including the return of most red wall voters. He is hopeful of picking up seats in Scotland once again, of tempting disgruntled Tories, of isolating the Lib-Dems and in still being considered to be 'polishing his green credentials' enough to stop too much leakage to the Green party.
The Lib-Dems are now coming up with the the 'big idea' of a free Social Care Plan, already assessed at £5B per year, which might sway some voters their way on a national scale. The Tories for the moment are clinging on to 'stopping the small boats', this won't win them the election but might take enough votes to ensure Labour doesn't get its sizeable majority. The Labour left disgruntled with Starmers approach may in the end hold their noises and vote, because they have no where obvious to go, except maybe the Green Party? Wales may become the 'dark horse' for Labour, normally reliable, but the speed limit issue may lose Labour a few seats, but maybe not enough to make much difference.
Every time Starmer opens his mouth now whether it's on the economy, climate issues, snuggling up to the EU, being 'the adult' on asylum seekers, cautious with China, supporting Ukraine, etc. he knows he will get criticism, but will accept it if he continues Labour's lead in the polls, he will be reasonably happy. For the first time perhaps to those who support him already, and to those who might support him, he is looking to be up for the fight; undaunted by the 'nay sayers' he keeps his head low , his arms tucked into his side and moves relentlessly forward across the political ring.
Labour needs a significant majority to be able to do anything beyond just being 'in power' they will need enough votes to guarantee almost anything they propose. No one knows that better than Keir Starmer.
