I would only expect this to ever happen if AR retires, which will be never. Don’t see this merge happening. Would see Blues going in with Pats first, which is still extremely unlikely.
Couple of things to share about Irvine Strikers and Pats, for those who are relatively new to their background.
JS used to be at Strikers under DE in the 90s. JS left for Pats - they are friends and friendly competitors today. Both clubs mainly focused on boys side until they realized girls parents actually pay and pay on time.
When Laguna Hills Eclips merged with Strikers, AR and NP was given the whole girls side to manage. But DE didn't need both AR and NP so NP left for Pats and is running girls side of DA under TC.
So Pats has DA boys and girls, Strikers has DA boys and ECNL girls. The 3~4 Strikers OC teams in SCDSL is just the reserves for ECNL.
So far so good? Based on the above, the likelihood of Pats and Strikers merging is very small because neither will give up their own club names and would have to give up one of the boys DA programs. Will not happen (this is different than franchises having DAs like LAGSD and LAG given their lack of proximity and different ownership, whereas Pats-Strikers would have to be a merge because both have recognizable national names and the personalities involved). As a side note, Pats and Slammers had a handshake for merge 4~5 years ago but the club name was the sticking point and fell a part. Some of the forum old timers should remember that...
Onto OC Blues. They are out there and interesting for someone to approach. They are nationally know so it will take quite an effort to merge them. They have no need to live under other brand name. As for their coaches, the only one I know is RD, who is the head coach at Vanguard University mens and women's programs and the coach of the year for their conference. Both mens and women teams are in NAIA nationals currently. My guess, is they will survive just fine as is.