Sounds like you agree with my shadow govt idea like they have in the UK. Like Romney should have already had a cabinet announced in the summer and campaigned with them as a team. For some reason only the P and VP run together in the US.
If he had a full cabinet put together and ran so people knew the entire new administration I think that would have helped.
It would be a good idea for 2016./
Here's an interesting article on the topic, which includes your phrase "shadow" cabinet.
All the President's Mystery Men (and Women)
-PJ