I’m not kidding. It’s a legitimate question. Would her influence be harmed by being officially on the outside? I have a concern about that. There are still a lot of conservative people who are registered Republican voters. They aren’t as tuned into all of this as you and I are. What does she gain by severing ties, what does she lose by severing ties, what do we all gain by her merely saying she’s close to doing so? If she leaves, does the GOPe get to claim victory? It’s not a real clear decision.
Palin would not leave unless it serves as the start of a movement, she isn’t thinking of just quietly leaving the GOP like Mitt Romney did in 1979 because of Reagan.
In answer to your question: I do not think it hurts her especially given that I doubt she will seek elected political office. I see her as potentially leading a political movement outside of the electoral realm that through circumstances might cause her to seek political office at some later time. E.g. Cory Aquino. I think that’s more in line of what she wants and where her skill set lies.