The Republicans could have gone 24/7 with the filabuser and Estrada left because his president didn't support him to the extent he should have. Its as much a disgrace to the Republicans that it happened as it is to the Dems that they did it.....And they were the ones being proactive.
And in conducting a 24/7 filibuster all the Pubbies would have to be on the floor, while only 2-3 Democrats needed to be there. Nothing would be done, the older GOP senators would collapse from exhaustion, and the media and many here would blame everything on the GOP.
And Estrada would still be filibustered. I detect a flaw in that plan.