I suspect that he's holding his fire, waiting for the dust to settle. He selected her, if he agrees with her critics, he selected badly. If he disagrees with them, as I suspect he does, his response should be sharp and definitive.
I think, right now he thinks his stock is low and she would better served by his refraining from appearing defensive. I agree there are arguments on either side, but I'll hold my judgment of McCain to see how events play out.
I think you're right. McCain and Palin have talked. I watched the entire MSNBC tape of her return to Juneau. Her feelings about John McCain are very real and show when she talks about him. She smiles, has nothing but praise and said in response to a question she loves that man. Her affection shows.