If there was oil in the Beis Hamikdash and the majority of the population was impure - then there is a halachic basis for permitting the Menorah to be lit with impure oil. What was gained, then, by trying to light in a better manner than was necessary ?
In order to understand, let us preempt.
Why did Hashem allow that jug of oil to escape defilement ? I maintain that it happened ( retroactively, perhaps ) because of the desire of the victorious Maccabies to serve Hashem in purity. If they had been willing to settle for impure oil, which would have been permissible, then Hashem would not have tweaked circumstances to save that little jug.
The concept of purity is perhaps the opposite of realism. Realism says "We'll do the best we can - and we'll deal with whatever shortfall there is". Purity says "It must be perfect. Period. Any other option is unacceptable." This dedication to purity is what enabled the Maccabies to serve Hashem in the unique manner ( militarily and spiritually ) in which they did.
It is also this dedication that ennobles our hearts at this time of year.
Are there aspects of our yiddishkeit that are just too impractical for our lifestyle ? Are there steps which are too difficult to take - for which there are legitimate other options ? Or are we chasing the lower standard, content with "acceptable," when the Maccabies, in our shoes would have fought for the ideal to the death ?
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