2nd Mortgage Holders Contributing to Crisis

I stumbled across an article this weekend discussing what could happen when a 2nd mortgage holder refuses to subordinate so the first mortgage can be refinanced. Got me thinking - this could really add to the mortgage mess. If there is a benefit to the borrower by refinancing their 1st mortgage maybe the holder of the second should have to subordinate - at least in the current market. I haven't really thought about the concept full circle but my feeling is that there is a compromise somewhere. Especially, if it will enable a struggling homeowner to get back on track.