A lot of people who like Fred also like Duncan Hunter, but you’re having a big impact there. Negative impact.
This is no different than in 2000. The leaders or preceived leaders get hammered by those trying to gain traction. If Hunter was up front and more than a - in the national polls he’d have his time in the barrel. But he’s not there and most likely won’t be. It’s the way the game is played by most campaigns.
But as you say this turns off others who are needed for a lower tier candidate to gain traction.