If Democrats don't put up a fight, don't think for a second they will earn even a sliver of respect from McConnell and Co. The scenario where Democrats continue to be responsible adults and Republicans are shamed into doing the same is a complete fantasy. I'm tired of believing in it, so are most Democrats.
Shake a Republicans hand, and the last thing you'll hear is a whispered "Lol get cucked libtard" as he stabs you in the back.
If we're playing by prison yard rules you don't filibuster, you deck the biggest, toughest guy there. Chuck Schumer's strategy should be to punch John Thune in the nose. Then McConnell will have to respect the Democrats and let them lift weights in the yard or whatever.