First, many of those attacking Newt and pressuring him to withdraw are NOT part of the GOP-E. They are anti-establishment conservatives who see Rick as their best choice.
***********
I stipulate to that—
My only reply is, looking at it from their perspective (Rick supporters), they’re strategically wrong to ask Newt to withdraw at this point. If Newt can’t win, he’ll want to stop Romney. If I saw Newt going after Rick, I would change my view. But, at this point, he’s not run one ad against Rick-from what I read. Rick’s current opponent is Romney- having Newt attacking Romney, only helps Rick.
Your strategy has been ruled incorrect by your own expert, a long time lecturer to the War College IIRC. When Newt was high and Rick was low Newt asked Rick to get out for (the | Newt’s) greater good. When Newt was high and Perry was low Newt took his endorsement rather than asking him to instead stay in the race for (the | Newt’s) greater good. Looking at things from both sides Newt chose the strategy of Rick Santorum’s supporters. Rick is just implementing it more politely by not saying it openly himself. He knows he’ll need to unite the party in the fall so wants to minimize divisions now.