As I remember it Nash, there was a weather consideration about the force. (which constituted a the threat to SH)
Either they were going to fight in spring at the latest or they would have to fight in Iraqi summer heat in chem suits. The biggest casualty would have been heat stroke.
The other option would have been to demobilize, remove the threat to SH regime that was starting to work, and remobilize the next year.
Go thru all the diplomacy BS again, probably more SC meetings, rebuild a coalition, etc. This was the option SH was hoping GWB would choose.
It was a use it or lose it situation.