First my feelings: Yes this would be like a slap in the face.
Second some reasoning:
The pros on choosing Romney. Opportunity to add momentum and further unify the Republican base. Past business experience will aid in negotiations.Likability,intelligent and Charismatic.
Cons:History of changing positions on hot topics for political expediency.Motivation based on self interest.
Demonstrated ill will and the use of false destructive rhetoric towards Trump agenda.
In my opinion Romney will not increase republican unity as much as may be thought. His negotiation skills are not unique to him and can be found in other candidates. The risk of him being a problem outside the administration is a cause for concern imagine what the risk would be with him in the administration. Trump can offer him a lesser role that limits the damage he could do.
I also do not like Bolton he would not be a good Secretary of State as observed while he was working for President Bush
I still see Bob Corker as his best candidate available. He will have broad support now and in the future from his senate colleagues. He has a natural likable personality and negotiating style as someone who can smile and talk positively while the other person behaves irrational or poorly. And you would not have to worry about him caving since his position would be a Trump position. Also he demonstrated he is loyal to the Trump agenda.
KT McFarland would be better than all of ‘em, IMHO. She supported Trump during the campaign and has more knowledge in areas pertinent to a SOS tasks.
If Romney is the pick, I’ll sure save some time and angst in my life as I’ll be disengaged from politics. All trust and respect for Trump will be gone.
Romney as SOS would be in it only for the glamor, traipsing all over the world at our expense and living the high life. It’ll be about him, and not about the country. He’ll stab Trump in the back the first chance he gets.
Trump is going to go with somebody not closely identified with either faction.
That might be Romney or it might not, but it's not going to be somebody who plays an ultra hawk on television, like Bolton.
Corker has ethics troubles, so it's not likely to be him.
FWIW: how weird is it that Gingrich has more of a grudge against Romney than Trump?
Great points, and add in a pre-disposition to subterfuge or even go rogue if it scores points for whoever Romney wants in the WH 2020. It ain't Trump, and it ain't Pence.
Also, the spectre of a Mormon trying to tell a Jew what they need to give up for a Pali treaty or an Iran rapprochement is just beyond the pale ... Just envision Bebe's face with the "oy gevalt" diagonal smirk ...