Haplessly taken for granted just because it’s not “exciting enough” or it’s “too good”. A plan that will only be referred to when all else fails. When you become a back up plan you should
figure out a way to hit them hard with the realization that you won’t always be there for them to walk all over you when they have no one else to go to; that you’ve got your own plans too. Otherwise, you my friend, will forever remain stuck in that phase.
Checkout doormat

v. collectively or individually finding someone/something to blame for a problem, as opposed to brainstorming which connotes finding solutions to a problem

n. the act of finding someone/something to blame for a problem

(from a TV ad for HD television)

Keeping a person on the side as an alternative if original plan falls through.