That was my hypothesis on another thread.
If the numbers are decent, the suits get cover not to dump him.
If the numbers are decent, Rather can argue to his peers that he isn't responsible for the death of network news.
Neither the numbers nor the forged memos have ANYTHING to do with the upcoming Rather retirement.
He clearly gave interviews over the last two years saying shortly after the 2004 election, he was retiring.
Drudge is posting a non-story to those of us who read and have any kind of memory.