I'm for Rudy because the GOP would clearly be competing in blue states -- playing on the opponent's turf is a sure route to victory.
Rudy might not carry NY, NJ or CT, but Hillary would go broke defending them.
I'm not sold on him yet, although what you say is true. If another more conservative candidate can win, we'd be better off with him.
On the other hand, losing pays no dividends and those here who argue otherwise are not very smart.