People make the mistake of assuming Trump when Trump is the most unpredictable and adaptable candidate we have ever seen. Trump has cards he’ll play that the status quo never even dreamed of.
Trump’s advantage is that he and his team are deploying tactics that are not taught in political science departments and journalism schools.
I've been involved in some campaigns over the years. Politics isn't all complicated. In it's most simplistic form, it's about connecting with voters and getting them to the polls.
People may or may not be voters. Voters may or may not be primary or caucus voters.
TV ads that Rovian consultants love do not impress me at all. Email solicitations really don't impress me. Robocalls will get me to vote against that person if I'm on the fence. Debates are overrated (the goal is to not lose them). Mailings are hit or miss. Internet contact is hit or miss. Door to Door impresses me. Town halls and rallies (Trump's M.O. - which I have seen many times to different effects) are a good start, but don't help long term unless some organization comes from it.
I'm biased, but Cruz's organization is by far the best I've seen to this point. Jeb's is probably the worst by any "top tier" (loosely defined) candidate considering his finances.