I tend to agree to Ann, too. Sarah is highly effective at energizing the conservative base, and that would be her most fitting role. Frankly, I wouldn’t blame her for taking a hard look at the whole intractable mess and saying “thanks but no thanks.”
If I had to guess, I'd say that Sarah will not run. But I also think that she is keeping her options open.
Unfortunately the Dems have done a really good hit-job on her. She may be damaged beyond repair with independent voters.
On the other, other hand, Sarah Palin retains a lot of influence with the Republican voter. She may be able to influence who the eventual nominee is just by keeping open the possibility that she may jump in as (check one): a candidate for Prez, a VP runningmate for her favorite, or a 3rd party candidate if a Rhino looks to take the nomination.
She doesn't need to actually do one of these things... just publically entertain the idea. The Media will do the rest, and the oxygen will be sucked out of the room... and Sarah Palin gets her conservative way by mis-direction.