I agree that it was a trial balloon that didn't work, but I think there are enough liberals in business and the press that if Lott did resign, he would be comfortable, and lauded in the press for the rest of his life. I disagree. They would treat him in retirement even worse than they treat Gingrich in retirement.
And of course, his name would forever be more a swear word amongst Republicans than even Jefford's is.
Republicans tend to be more forgiving than Dems. Hell, Lott called Jeffords his "friend" the other day.