I'm not sure exactly what your point is either but Reagan's support of Ford in 1976 was not without some ambiguity.
Reagan supported Ford only after vigorously challenging him for the Republican nomination. There were several Ford aids who felt that Ford would not have lost the general election to Carter had Reagan not challenged him in the primaries. As close as the 1976 election was, there might be some merit to their argument.
If you read back through the thread you will find my point.
In a nutshell. Reagan supporting losing efforts with Nixon, Goldwater, Ford and GHWB is no different than Fred supporting the losing efforts of Baker and McCain. Actually there is one difference. Reagan's support came at the final stage. Fred`s support came in the primary stage. In the end stage Fred supported Reagan and GW Bush.