When McCain endorsed Shadegg, within 10 posts here on free republic, people all ready were ready to turn on Shadegg, and within 15 posts, 2nd guessing Shadegg.
McCain endorses anything that will get him near a camera.
FWIW, McCain claims to support less spending, there are freepers who refuse to accept that, I think McCain is just anti-pork (which is good), but a few folks here, and follow any McCain thread, start venturing out into what kind of spending McCain wants to cut.
Note the use of "few" and the fact I stated Shadegg was an unknown. Your contention is that few represented the majority. My contention is that it did not.
As well, most questions arose less because of McCain's endorsement, as they continue to support Blackwell, and more because they don't know who Shadegg is outside of a few blogs promoting him around here the last few weeks. That, to me, suggests a lot of folks just joined on a "bandwagon" and didn't do diligent research outside of whom was backing him. That is why when McCain endorses Blackwell or endorsed Bush, most don't bat an eye and question their support. We know each and are confident in the reasons we support them.
Summary-had folks been confident in Shadegg because they'd done their homework, rather than just rely on an endorsement from Pence or a few blogs, there would be less questions raised.
I think you are confusing knee jerk anti-McCainism with folks that just haven't done their homework, and as a result, ask questions in the middle of the process they should have done at the start. Kneejerk anti-McCainism is rather knowing the facts, and choosing to cut off your nose anyway. Most don't fit that description.