The rules committee comprises two delegates from each state. The rules committee meets a few weeks before the convention. The rules committee is dominated by party hacks. If the “majority of delegates from 8 states” rule produces a candidate that the hacks object to, the rule will be modified.
THe rule change takes effect only if the majority of convention delegates ratify that rule change. I assert that a majority ( Trump and Cruz delegates combined ) will block any shinanigan except that Trump will allow a change to let Cruz be nominated if he doesn’t get the 8 state majority. Trump will do that to secure the majority of Delegats on the floor to approve the rules!! No one else under the rules may BE NOMINATED. This takes all the party hacks right out of it. There is no variance of rule 40 even on multiple ballots. I am seeing this is where Trump seizes power. Cruz will have to take VP. He is 45 years old and can replace Trump in 8 years. I am telling you that Rule 40 b has to be changed by majority of the convention delegates on any proposed change from the rules committee. This is the best news of the day!!