Can a vocal laity inspire a moral courage in an unwilling clergy?
It would be difficult, but that is no reason not to try. Yet the Church is a hierarchical institution. The clergy must lead the way. If they will not, we have a responsibility to pray that their replacements will. Towards this end, parents who have large families are doing great work, for it is in these families that vocations are fostered. But we cannot abandon those currently at the helm. So for the cleric in your life unwilling to navigate the storms of the modern world, here are some words of encouragement. From Christ, Himself: For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and from St. John Chrysostom: The floor of hell is carpeted with the skulls of priests. The former will remind him of the immense responsibility that all churchmen bear; the latter, the price of failure.
