"would rather than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a preference for one thing over another. Example: "I would rather stay home than go out tonight."
But Joyce originally wrote "would" rather than "will".
Doubtless some BBC hands would rather than had been redacted too.
A California appellate court has ruled that adjudicators are to define sexual harassment the way a "reasonable woman" would, rather than the more typical "reasonable person" legal standard.
I became invisible and people would, rather than find a way to keep me participating, shrug their shoulders and I wouldn't be able to join in anymore.
That incident, in 1980, was one of many that would, rather than defeat her, fire her resolve to challenge a system that was often inhospitable to women.
He also spoke about sex and death in the way that a mobster would, rather than the manner that a network script editor preferred.
And he still is, although he's now Instagram'd rather than massaged.
Most people would rather swing than march, and would rather rock than live a regimented life.
And, most people would rather talk than listen, would rather express their opinions than ask questions.
They would rather resist than work.
I would rather die than give in".
