I see it differently. Most of the GOP candidates aren’t really running for president. They are jockeying for power, position and most importantly, money. They are working for campaign experience, gathering volunteers and getting the feel of the ropes. They want to make themselves known and gather enough support to be a viable running mate. Unlike days of old, where men waited to be approached by the party, they must compete to get noticed. Having so many potentials is healthy. Having just one anointed candidate this early is the sign of an ossified, dying organization. The Democratic party will probably not survive if Hillary is the candidate and she does poorly.
I agree - having this number of potentials is good for a number of reasons. One is it has blunted the effectiveness of the Dems early demonization. Do they spend (waste) their money or news articles attacking Rubio or Bush or [ ] and then a different one pops up at the end? And whatever they say, because there are so many, their LIVs will be confused and they cannot keep track of them all. Heck, many of these LIVs cannot name their own US Senators.
Secondly - compared to the last two elections, the Rep have a number of very different candidates. Take big outsider, very outspoken Trump (must be driving the GOPe insane) and Christie and Cruz (who also drives GOPe crazy) - these guys punch hard - all the way to Senator Sweater guy Santorum. The Dems really want a Bush - Clinton election naturally because anyone name Bush benefits from the previous demonization $ spent on W. But the outspoken guys may force some of the sweater guys to stop being so nice.
Finally, you are right - many are jockeying for position. One of them might make it to VP, or get appointed somewhere down the line if Rep win - only to be used to run again in a future election - with more organization, name recognition and $$$$.
will be brought out of the closet These two northeasterners - like or hate ‘em, wil at the end ....