In Hugh's case, he was simply trumpeting the Party Line. He's been released from the partyline with Miers' withdrawal, so he's returning to the choices conservatives would support. That, if honest, he supported as well before it came down to breaking with the W.H. temporarily. He just wasn't willing to make that break.
It speaks nothing against Luttig in any event.
You're probably right.
But from now on I consider Hewitt a "Gergen" when it comes to SCOUTUS nominees.