Seems like Scalia, Thomas and Roberts have had a lot of limelight shined on them, for better or worse. Justices also get to put their opinions on record and have them be referred back to for decades. I think it would be a very appealing job for anyone who wants to put their stamp on the conservative movement. The SCOTUS spot sounds like the way to go rather than being 1 of 100 in the Senate and faced with uncertain prospects for ever winning a presidential nomination, given Pence’s incumbency after Trump and Rubio’s chance to rehabilitate himself over 8 years (or to make himself an incumbent as Pence’s V.P.).
I agree!
SC justice doesn’t normally have the PR limelight as being president, but you’re right it has some.