I agree, your post is an astute one. That was an implicit assumption on my part that you fleshed out. That’s why Cruz and Carson are playing it smart. If he flames out they will benefit, if he doesn’t conservatives like them (Palin as well, she’s clearly doing the same) will have a huge seat at the table.
Either way, I think the GOP as we know it is done after this election. The anger/rage at the GOPe and candidate picking is just too great. With Romney, there was not a viable alternative. Now there is-—many-—and ANY not named Bush can beat Hillary.