A fair question! My guess is that after many futile attempts at appeasement, the NATO member nations, with perhaps the exception of the U.S. (only if McCain wins), will abandon this ally. NATO is doomed as it is overly influenced by the western liberal world view.
The Russians had better be extremely cautious though. The Pols are not to be trifled with. From what I’ve seen of their military, they are a very determined, highly disciplined professional force to be reckoned with and the Polish people in general are sick and tired of Fascism and Communism that have decimated their country for decades.
Russia would do well not to mess with these guys.
NATO has its issues, for sure. But like you said, the Eastern members (like Poland) remember the Iron Curtain all too well. And like you say, they shouldn't be trifled with.