Sure they could do that too. But it wouldn't be the first time a smaller KD has refused to CF out of stubbornness either. Had that situation happen to me 2 or 3 times while running a KD. No matter the messages we sent, or the CF offers we sent, still they wouldn't accept.
Either way, it still lies at their feet. Or well their Monarchs, so may want to rethink their leader choice.