It didn't last. The problem was, GOPe has most of the money, and they stopped giving with the Tea Party/small l libertarians/evangelicals running the party. And the Rs suffered at the actual elections after that, due to a lack of money. So the GOPe types were able to regain control after the losses.
On the flip side, at times when honked at the GOP, I've worked with some really good Libertarian candidates(I know the problems with the LP, but hear me out). These were really good candidates, respected business people, looked normal (no wild hair, etc) and they couldn't get over 5% in a 3 way race. Voters just will not throw their lot to a 3rd party candidate. Not LP, not Green, not Independent. And people with money don't want to part with it to help these good people, because they know it is a losing cause.
I really don't think 3rd party is the way to go in the future. Limited ballot access, and lack of money are just killers. I do think fighting within the Republican Party is the way to go, but a lot of people need to give a lot of money to support the good candidates, and party officers.
The Bayonet Party.
I estimate that small government conservatives are 25% of the consistent voting public [19% voted Perot in 1992, DESPITE all the Media-Uniparty-Deep State dirty tricks, which President Trump has shown us to be real things].
If the GOPe candidate gets to the general, fix bayonets and use your 25-30%.
Sit it out or vote for the Dem.
"To encourage the others"