I think you’re right.
Why else would the media sacrifice themselves unless they knew what the endgame was?
They know he’s gonna lose and yet they are totally denying it. So they have to set the stage for their continued ‘influence’. If they deligitimize the election and set the country on fire, there is a chance they retain their seats of power. If Romney wins and actually takes the helm, they have a problem.
So they pretty much HAVE to start a riot.
And it is going to get VERY ugly.