I expect if she talks it would be in a book after the election. That would be the way to get the most money.
If the NY Post is correct in what they report and Mapes gets most of the blame, she is going to be radioactive in the News business and I think most of the political types will distance themselves as well, at least for a time.
However ideologically Mapes may be motivated she still needs a living and probably would be bitter if CBS treats her roughly. I think her story will come out.
That's why she'll get the buyout if she's pushed. She and Burkett are scapegoats. He's a nut but she'll need money, and she'll get it. No way Dan Rather sawed off the trunk side of his branch with only their say so. He is covering more than his own ass. Mapes knows it.