No, Cruz has not been "eliminated" from any subsequent ballot.
So, because he can’t win on the first vote, he’s going to try to prevent another person doing so as well - even though both are hated by the GOPe.
Just because both are opposed by the GOPe does not mean the two are interchangeable. Cruz is playing the game as though it will go to a second ballot. Trump is not. So regardless of what Cruz does, Trump will be screwed if it goes to a second ballot. And that will be 100% Trump's fault.
If Trump can't win unless Cruz withdraws, then Trump hasn't won. Meanwhile, the GOPe has cycled between three different candidates hoping to win a second, third, or fourth ballot. And they know they will have Trump delegates to help them out because Trump did nothing to stop them. Nothing. And whose fault is that? It certainly isn't Ted Cruz's fault.
I believe Cruz can win the nomination on the floor of the convention. But I believe that such a victory ...if it occurred this cycle...would be pyrrhic.
Likewise, I believe Trump may win the nomination outright, or may also win on the convention floor. Again, IMHO, such a victory without the party unifying (and that would mean in that case Cruz finding the way to make an accommodation with Trump and unite the two largest factions by far of the GOP voters) would also be pyrrhic.
My letter is urging Cruz to unite the party. IMHO< he is uniquely qualified to do so and avoid a huge rift if either side forces the issue without working very hard to unite these two groups.
That’s the real heart of the issue.
I have been and remain a Cruz supporter. But the reality on the ground, and for the ultimate good of the nation in avoiding a DNC victory in November, calls for such consideration.
The REAL fight here is for the nation and for avoiding the devastation a continuation of Obama policies will bring.