In the last 150 years, 3rd parties have been, are, and always will be no more than protest votes unless you get a New York State style system.
The only way to make an actual difference is to take over the GOP from local levels on upward and to take advantage of primaries and open seats. That's it. That doesn't mean I won't vote protest occasionally. I did for governor last time, but 3rd parties are only good for protest votes.
I don't disagree... but in a year such as this, in which the GOP nominee (Romney) is going to be steamrolled, many conservative voters will be looking in that direction.