South Carolina conservatives’ love affair with Rubio goes way back to his taking out Crist in 2010. That was the first BIG TP win.
I agree with your history lesson, but not your conclusion. I still today say Rubio has done us all a huge favor by that. I could make a case that says Ted Cruz and Mike Lee don't even attempt to beat the establishment in their states without Rubio's victory.
Having said that, nationally and in SC, Rubio has lost most of those conservatives.