I think independent runs are political suicide for most politicians. I could live with a Thompson presidency and possibly a Romney presidency but I really think a Hunter VP is what it would take to get either man over the top.
IMHO, Thompson/Romney would be the ticket with the best chance of success. Romney has cash and organization, and if he really does want to be a conservative could use the office of VP to prove it. What would Mr. Hunter offer Mr. Thompson or Mr. Romney?