I see what you’re saying, but something about Boehner makes me think he’s fairly easy to deceive and then subtly manipulate by suggesting he make certain public statements.
I also think Boehner misses being near the center of power, not that he ever knew how to use that power.
So if some of Trump’s people suggest Boehner to go public with every little thing that has ever bothered him about Ted Cruz, Boehner will be open to considering it. You see all the attention he’s gotten after the “Ted is Lucifer!” remarks. No one has given the ex-Speaker this much serious thought since his last teary meltdown in front of The Pope.
I don't think they had any political intent, and we're just wasting our time trying to figure out what he was trying to do.
I think it's pretty obvious. He hates Ted Cruz for some of Ted's Senate activities (notwithstanding whether they were legitimate or grandstanding).
Throwing those comments out there probably felt good, and he might consider them revenge.