I think any reasonable person could presume that Trump is only the predominant second choice among Cruz supporters, while most other non-Trump voters would go Cruz.
With Rubio out, I don’t see it as such a wild proposition for Cruz to finish #1. I hear what you are saying, I really do, but looking to get a sizeable portion of the party to concede just as the field is narrowing down doesn’t seem like a reasonable demand.
How about we work to get an agreement that whoever gets the plurality of votes on the first ballot wins?
“How about we work to get an agreement that whoever gets the plurality of votes on the first ballot wins?”
Perhaps an agreement made NOW (and publicly), to the effect that whomever has the most committed delegates at the end of the primaries will be pledged the 2nd placer’s delegates ON THE FIRST BALLOT. Thus, the GOPe is shoved aside, and party unity begins on June 7.