I am just investigating the possibility of an infinitival phrase being modified by an if-clause, especially a counterfactual one.
Anyway, do you find the following correct, with the if-clause modifying the infinitival phrase?
John wants to fly to the top of the tree if he grows feathers.
Same logic problem. You're saying: John would want to fly to the top of the tree if he grew feathers.
That means he doesn't want to fly now, but would if he had feathers. Is that what you're trying to say? My guess is that he already wishes he could fly, with or without feathers.
John wants to fly to the top of the tree if he grows feathers.
Exactly the same problem.
We know his desire to fly to the top of the tree if he grows feathers.
It is obviously impossible for him to grow feathers,
We're not concerned with that. John can swim to the moon, for all I care!
although the non-counterfactual if-clause is used.