I hope you're right about it being harder for the Dims to filibuster. I hope you're not relying on them not wanting to look bad again. Please note what's building in the Robert's matter.
Bush and the Repubs are in pretty good shape at the moment, but I believe they're going to have to use the NUKE, because the Dims have tried to foul up every appointment without triggering the NUKE. Why would they stop the obstructionist tactics when the Repubs can't get their stuff together to use the NUKE?
Where is McLame these days?
You can't NUKE them if they don't filibuster. The Gang of Seven Dems won't filibuster Roberts, he is guaranteed an up-or-down vote, he'll win more than 60 votes in the end.
The RATS will keep their powder dry for the next nomination.