No, I didn’t say it’s hopeless and no, neither should give up yet. Cruz, well, it will be obvious after one or two more primaries. But Trump could go with 1150 or so and still have a real shot at securing the difference. The reality is, if your vote means a potential job in government or an appointment, you get pretty flexible in a hurry.
I think both Trump and Cruz understand your point. And I’m certain that the GOPe does. Those guys are going to be all in to defeat Trump. If they feel they can pull in Kasich or Romney they will give it a try. But the handwriting is on the wall - the GOPe is backing Cruz. The Bush endorsement is all the proof I need to convince me of that.
So yes, Trump can win on the second ballot but he is up against the combined forces of the well organize Cruz and the powerful GOPe.