@rbynaker  Yes, so if one spouse itemizes, that means the other spouse would only have the option to take a Standard Deduction of $0.  In that case, the other spouse would have no choice but to itemize their deductions as well, even if their itemized deductions were less than the regular Standard Deduction for a MFS filing -- because it would still be greater than $0.  Which goes back to my original point -- in cases where couples file separately, both spouses must itemize their deductions, or both spouses must take the Standard Deduction.  

Thanks for making my point for me.  That you did it with breathtaking condescension when you clearly have no understanding of the situation makes it even better.