Cruz will need to appeal to voters as well as “handle the MSM,” he seems to have hit a ceiling.
Actually, it's the beginning of the beginning.
Solidification in a full sense won't start until the first debates, and will continue to do so through the first primaries.
His appeal, (as well as Walker's) with the voters will be a known once the debates start and polling begins in earnest.
What matters now is who sets up well strategically for when people (not necessarily geeks like us) pay attention. Cruz is well positioned for the long run because of his ability to defend conservative principles, expound them to the average voter, and debate them amongst friends and foes.
It's also why Jeb will lose, as he is NOT good at doing so.