You don't win an all out war with obstructionists in the Senate by capitulating to an environment of fear. Forget a gunshot to the foor - if you think that validating the power of the filibuster by running from the challenge doesn't cut off both our legs, you're wrong.
Bush put his offense on the field and told them to punt on first down. You want the Democrats to respect the GOP? Let them know we're in power. You want the Democrats to filibuster at will? Show 'em it works. Miers was a "please don't hurt us" statement. The Democrats need to hear the words "you and who's army?"
Filibuster schmilibuster, this is about enough RINOs in the Senate to scuttle all the leading lights that have been suggested.