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I agree with your point regarding being polite and turning down food that you know has animal products in it. However, the point I was trying to make was not so much wether you would compromise ethical beliefs in a given situation, but rather about making decisions that will benefit the vegan movement in the long run. Of course this is very subjective, which is why I brought it up.
The way I look at this specific scenario is that this non-vegan person (a friend) has put in a great effort to accommodate and please me but slipped up with the lasagna sheets containing eggs. Since he invited me to dinner in the first place knowing that I am vegan, I would assume that he is at some level intrigued or starting to open up to the idea of veganism. By saying "sorry, I can't eat this" I think that this is reaffirming the general belief that its difficult to be vegan and thus distancing him going vegan himself, which in turn is not progressing the movement.
This is the same reason that I am not picky about vegan beer/wine when at the pub with friends. Its about picking your battles. In the long run I think it benefits veganism more to show that this is not a difficult lifestyle and opening people up to the idea of it. Then we can worry about the isinglass, gelatine, E numbers and all that other small stuff later.
norvegan-
How does that look from a meat eaters perspective? You say your a vegan - but your actions (by eating egg, gelatine, e numbers) say differently.. Are people not just going to call you out for being hypocritical? How is that progressive / good for the 'vegan movement' short or long term? Surely its better to show people you stand up for what you believe in and show some conviction. Instead of being a part time vegan when it suits you.
Educate. Ok so your friend slips up. No worries.. I'll show you how quick and easy it is to make a 10 minute chilli with corn chips, salsa and a beer. Flip it on its head. It looks like the perfect opportunity to me - to demonstrate the ease of this way of life instead of eating a mistake.
How long have you been vegan? Also have you checked out barnivore.com?
Thrasher
For me - If your conscious about their being animals in the food then I wouldn't eat it. It doesn't bother me being polite or adhering to that. There's always other options - we live in a world of convenience - chances are you can knock something up in 5 mins with whats in the house - or pop down to the local shopper and grab something. I dont see the logic of 'relaxing' moral / ethical beliefs for sake of being courteous / polite.
Veganism is not really about perfection. Its a progression. No-one can live in the first world and be 100% full natty. For me anyway - I have bought envelopes that have been made using cheap glue - contains gelatin. Interesting point of discussion though.
Thanks for the video - i'll check it out now.