Intellectual conservative pundits are opposing her because she's not "in with their in crowd." They're snobs, and they're threatened by the statement that this nomination makes: That there are legal circles and legal achievements beyond their own, that are respectable and worthy of recognition.
What is the statement that this nomination makes? It says that if you go through hell to get on the Appeals Court because you dared to openly display your conservative convictions you will be passed over by a corporate lawyer, that is a judicial cipher. Pathetic statement.