Unfortunately, it's impossible. Conservatives, at least as represented here on FR, already are solidly in Palin's camp. No other candidate stands a chance with this crowd. Unless something dramatic happens to change the political landscape, Mitt has already lost the nomination without a single vote being cast in the 2012 primaries. So have Huckabee and Gingrich.
Romney, Huckabee and Gingrich, and any newcomer to the national stage, will have a tough time taking Palin on while not alienating those who are in her thrall. I honestly think it's impossible, because they don't tolerate the slightest hint of a whiff of a disagreement with her, or a questioning of her credentials. Their minds are closed and that's it.
Would you choose any of the 3 men you mentioned before Palin? If so, which?
I agree with your assessment of at least some FR posters. I don’t know how representative FR posters are of the Republican vote IRL. Freepers are obviously more politically aware than the average voter. I doubt most Republican voters are already locked into a candidate for 2012.