Lols!
That is actually a very powerful point you just made.
Let me repeat it:
By standing down last election and handing the nomination to Romney once he had it, there was no seek-and-destroy mission on the right. Sure there was a strong campaign but most everyone came out of it just fine.
Romney lost. Fair and square. Romney was nominated. Had the entire party lined up behind him. No Palin. No distractions at all.
And he lost.
Lost.
That is a very important lesson to have learned. Romney and the so-called moderate Republicans, do not win.
The GOP learned a number of lessons last time, but the one which has been visited the least, is what of Sarah Palin.
We shall certainly see.