You are correct about flake on many things. what flake represent is the type of candidate the parties put forward so they can control. Flake is the typical politician you end up with in the Senate because of the 17th Amendment. Flake is a perfect example of why the 17th Amendment needs to be repealed
Too much power and control is concentrated in the political parties. Flawed, controlled candidates are the result. Kelly Ayotte is another, Nikki Hailey too.
They do not represent the state capitals of ideas of the States they came from...
Many years ago I had high hopes for Flake being a Goldwater disciple but he turned into a real disappointment as a senator so no surprise he is bashing Trump now.