You're right on target with this. The squishiness of republicans is astounding. I think it's funny how you've got so many people trying to spin this into a win for the pubbies. I intend to remind everyone over and over again as the next general election comes up exactly how useless they are when it comes to actually standing up for a constitutional issue.
The DEMs and the 7 RINOs, and no doubt more, are not respecting the nominations power granted to the President, but ONLY IF they don't vote on the nominee.
Right now, Frist is saying he will continue to stand up for, and demand a vote on all nominations. The debate and vote has not been conceded.