I have also have thought about it, and I think I have come to the same conclussion as you. If the Democrats would have done the "right" thing, that is allow a real impeachment trial with all the evidence, and voting Clinton out of office. Vice President Gore would have had time to show the American people he was up to the job.
As close as the 2000 election was, it may have made a difference.
And we would be in HELL right now.