Unless conservatives can still be duped by the RINO stampede, I think they will recognize the clear conservative out in front.
One would hope, but look around FR, and you'll see lots of people still defending Mitt Romney (Lib-MA), and who RIGHT NOW, are making cooing sounds at rat sell-outs like Marco Rubio.
I grumble, but I do take your point. The fact that we have one very remarkable conservative candidate in the race, sets this one apart from the last two elections. That alone, gives me hope that what you say will come to pass.