Perhaps sadly, Gardasil is more of an issue in that he backed off. That issue would probably win him votes in certain northeastern states!
So you are right. That issue is a non-starter.
I think the fact that Perry took hits from all sides is telling, and I think that is likely the impression that will be lasting among those who tuned in, and who were not already committed to a particular candidate. Getting attacked makes Perry look like a winner, the man to beat.
What I see NO one has mentioned is how almost every debater up there sounded like Perry from his first debate. Several of them even used the exact words Perry used in his first debate. Cain even referenced Galveston counties opting out of SS. I thought it was just too funny. Newt was the only one who kept to his ways not trying to be Rick Perry.