My AH claimed to have almost that exact conversation with his rehab counselor. In his case looking back on it I doubt that conversation ever happened.
My AH has tried the moderation thing many times and the results are disastrous. He has told me that he wishes he could just drink normally and I think he convinces himself he can. Last time it took one week and he was back to daily heavy drinking that resulted in a hospitalization.
Under the Influence was a helpful book for me. There are some excerpts under the stickies in the alcoholism forum.