Butterflies. A CP victory in 1917 means the situation on the ground isent exactly the same as IOTL, and A-H is going to be in at least a slightly better position. As for the Kingdom of Poland, it was still in the formative stages and could very well go off in a different direction as it solidifies: indeed, they still have a regency council, not even a full monarch. Who's to say they don't elect Emperor Charles precisely to avoid getting crushed under the German thumb entirely? A-H is still going to be rewarded with SOMETHING.
Look, you came asking for opinions, but you seem pretty dead set on calling A-H doomed. I disagree, but it's your timeline so I won't argue any more. I've said my peace
Yes, but with what? Hungary didn't really want much and while Charles may able to do something, Hungary still has a prominent say, which tends to hamstring Austria a fair bit.
I was asking about likelihood of any of these happening. I'm sure that alof of your solutions would work, but whether it could be forced past the Magyar elite in time to come up with some arrangement is unknown, but maybe low. I do thhank you very uch for your ideas! You're quite knowledgable.