i think we see things the same way but I’m leaning towards your last point. I think this is foxnews playing hardball. And giving her the option to quit to get her message out.
That may be their motivation, but I think Palin can easily use it to her advantage.
Being out of the public eye before beginning the rush of a campaign is good for her, helping to temper overexposure, and I don’t think she gains by contributing any more general punditry on Fox. A break from that role may be good as well.