I read a post the other day that basically said that Republican leaders usually prefer being the minority party. It takes more guts to say no and stand on principle. They don’t want to deal with the heat of nominating and supporting true conservatives.
If you see their actual goals and objectives as those of political rainmakers and lobbyists-manque', as explained by our FRiend nathanbedford above, then their preference for minority status is completely explained.
Their game isn't to do anything; it's to avert things, things they can claim a credit for, from their grateful employers on "K" Street.