And, high negatives to overcome that the other candidates don't.
The Only Republican candidate who can expect to be in the running for the nomination who will not get high negatives from the MSM drones is Romney. So, based on your analysis (i.e., that high negatives will mean we can't choose that candidate) then Romney is your guy.
Palin is a charismatic, historical figure that has met the national media in face to face battle for almost 3 years, and is till standing firm, and in front.
What would your candidates "negatives" be about three months after they won the primary, do you remember the media hero and beloved Republican, John McCain? After decades of love and worship, the media instantly reversed after he became the nominee. The media cannot do that with Governor Palin. Governor Palin was extraordinarily successful with 93% approval.