Your point that Trump is doing us all a favor by actually going on the attack is abolutely correct.
Still, there are good reasons for not trusting Trump. His "conversion" to conservatism is even more recent and less convincing than Romney's. If you have reservations about Romney, you should have even more reservations about Trump.
His history of campaign contributions, endorsements and political support is almost exclusively Democrat. From a business standpoint, we understand why. But has he never found a Republican whose ideology he shared and could support with a few bucks?
Moreover, his statements from the not-too-distant past overwhelmingly favor liberal politicians and the liberal agenda (e.g. national healthcare).
At best, Trump is politically naive. At worst, he is a stalking horse for the Clintons -- with whom he has had a close (and, presumably, profitable) relationship.
In any event, he's unlikely to ever be as serious a conservative as he claims to be.
Right now, he's the flavor-of-the-month -- because his celebrity, his visibility, the "outrageousness" of his claims and the media coverage all this generates. He's at the top of the "Trending Now" list. Where will he be next month?
If you're intrigued by his act, follow it. But examine his history and his views carefully before you commit to him. Which is exactly the advice I'm following myself with regard to Palin.
I will take Trump over Obama any time of the day. I have observed this dude a lot because I watch him on his Golf shows almost every week. I recently saw his entire meeting with his 100+ managers of his golf empire lasting an hour. I saw how took command of the meeting. I was impressed with his knowledge of every spectacular golf resorts including those in foreign countries. I saw how he has an imposing presence in a large group of highly paid managers. I saw how his subordinates adored him. I observed what a commanding speaker he is. I saw a very intelligent person in him. In short I saw a leader!
I also watched him on BOR & O’Reilley. I agree he is a political neophyte. But I liked his in your face style. I saw that he is not afraid of the media. I saw that he does not have a shrill voice or a mild mannered country club voice. He spoke about China which is a huge issue because we have lost millions of jobs to China. He spoke about Oil & OPEC. Another very important issue because people are discouraged and demoralized over energy prices doubling in 2 years. I heard his agenda for seniors. I heard his outlook on military.
I liked very much what I heard. I have not heard any such blunt talk from any of the professional politicians. Bachmann is the only one who comes close, in substance, speaking style, voice, and knowledge of details.
There will be plenty of opportunity to make the final judgement...something like 12-15 months before primaries are over. Let things unfold. Unless Trump is lying through his teeth, no one even comes close to impress me, and obviously a whole bunch of voters out there based on polls, and he has not even declared yet.