I think Rove has done the political calculus.
I think he knows full well he's going to lose the staunch conservatives.
And I don't think he cares.
Rove is a trusted advisor, but the President is in charge.
There's no way that he would make a calculated effort to lose conservative votes.
I know that you don't trust that the President is an honorable man, but I believe he is doing what he believes is right, regardless of the political cost.
Not saying he doesn't factor in votes in his decisions......he's a very good politician. But the bottom line is that he does what he believes in.
And IMO, that deserves respect even when you disagree.