But they'd introduce the Clones at some stage, right? Basically, you mean that instead of the "Separatist threat", Plan A was "a shitload of planets gets legally invaded" threat?
Hey, you know, it's a possibility. I can't find anything in TPM that really contradicts that. Or, maybe he thought that'd make systems want to leave the Republic, right... but that kidna happened anyway.
I think ultimately this only showcases how piss-poorly these plots are written - so little information is given on important plot points like the villains' plans or motivations, the Trade Federation, the Separatists, Grievous, etc., you can sometimes read completely outlandish theories into it and there would be nothing in the film to really contradict that.