The purpose of an elevator pitch is to describe a situation or solution so compelling that the person you're with wants to hear more even after the elevator ride is over.
Just because the tide is out, doesn't mean there is less water in the ocean.
There are lots of good reasons to abandon a project. Having a little competition is not one of them.
Say what you believe and see who follows.
How was your day? If your answer was "fine," then I don't think you were leading.
The way to work with a bully is to take the ball and go home. First time, every time. When there's no ball, there's no game. Bullies hate that. So they'll either behave so they can play with you or they'll go bully someone else.