There's a problem with AfD (actually, there are many, not least of which is people ignoring policy, but let me focus on this one). It's very hard to achieve consensus. We're currently in the bizarre situation in which opinion is divided over whether to delete or merge, and as a result neither is done, and an appalling article remains.
I believe that the problem is due to the three available options, and I believe that there may be a solution: always express a first and second choice.
Where there's a clear consensus on first choices, ignore second choices. Otherwise, look at first and second choices together.
I recognise that this treats AfD as a vote, while for some reason that is seen as a bad thing, but at least it would be an improvement.
It may be a stupid idea, but I wonder what people think?
Jakew