Leto II mentioned that Paul also saw the Golden Path, but was too weak to implement it and instead went into the desert as the Preacher. It wasn't mentioned that worm transformation was required for the Golden Path to succeed, but it gave Leto longevity to oversee it.
What I'm trying to say is that Paul likely thought about transforming into the worm.
My interpretation agrees with you. I suppose it's possible he only saw the thousands of years of being a tyrant and was rejecting that. But I still think he saw the worm transformation.
Major Dune spoilers:
Isn't that pretty explicit in Children? Leto II frequently chastises his genetic memory father/actual father for being a coward to afraid to commit to the golden path. Paul saw where the golden path led and couldn't do it so he becomes the Preacher whereas Leto saw what was needed to guide humanity and thus sacrificed his to become The Tyrant
When the preacher saw leto fused with the sand worms he said something to the effect of "so you've chosen that path". Which more than slightly implies he did see the worm part
So really this should one of those distribution graph memes where most people in the middle are crying saying it was Leto II while the extreme ends (very dumb and very smart) are saying it's Paul
Leto II mentioned that Paul also saw the Golden Path, but was too weak to implement it and instead went into the desert as the Preacher. It wasn't mentioned that worm transformation was required for the Golden Path to succeed, but it gave Leto longevity to oversee it.
What I'm trying to say is that Paul likely thought about transforming into the worm.
My interpretation agrees with you. I suppose it's possible he only saw the thousands of years of being a tyrant and was rejecting that. But I still think he saw the worm transformation.
Major Dune spoilers:
Isn't that pretty explicit in Children? Leto II frequently chastises his genetic memory father/actual father for being a coward to afraid to commit to the golden path. Paul saw where the golden path led and couldn't do it so he becomes the Preacher whereas Leto saw what was needed to guide humanity and thus sacrificed his to become The Tyrant
When the preacher saw leto fused with the sand worms he said something to the effect of "so you've chosen that path". Which more than slightly implies he did see the worm part
So really this should one of those distribution graph memes where most people in the middle are crying saying it was Leto II while the extreme ends (very dumb and very smart) are saying it's Paul
That meme applies to f'n everything!