“A more appropriate way to characterize the “in-between” group would be that they are able to recognize when a battle has been lost.
I can think of few more conservative traits than the ability to know when you’ve lost a battle and it’s time to cut your losses.”
Except it wouldn’t cut your losses, it would guarantee you never had another win. A third party would form and the Republican party would go the way of the Whigs.
How does continuing to fight a lost battle keep you from suffering continuing losses?
Sadly, a great many American conservatives opposed the civil rights revolution of the 50s/60s. Either because they believe, inaccurately, that racial equality was not a simple extrapolation of the American system. Or, more accurately and understandably, that it was a lesser issue being exploited by Communism, with which America was engaged in a death struggle.
Very, very few conservatives continue to hold either of these views. The battle against civil rights was lost, and deservedly so.
The battle against “gay marriage” has also been lost. IMO, intelligent conservatives should recognize this fact and concentrate on the still-winnable issues of protecting the right of individuals and groups to continue to oppose homosexuality.