The scenarios being discussed, by you at any rate seem to be that a vote for anyone but Rudy, would be handing the White House to Hillary. And although it is only one poll, it does appear to reflect growing realization that Hillary may not be electable against any Republican Candidate. However, even if you were to argue that a vote for Rudy minimizes the liklihood that Hillary would win (which I doubt), at some point you have to take some risk. Particularly, when the alternative is basically to sell out the conservative moment.
If the Rudybots have their way, conservatives will become the African-Americans of the Republican party, reliable votes for candidates that conflict with their principles and values 90% of the time.
By all means vote for the socialist candidate of your choosing. As for us clueless conservatives, with the courage of our convictions, we’ll vote for Thompson or Hunter
If the RAT candidate is someone like Richards, then fine, not all that much harm will be done and it would be better to send a message. BUT... you don't play those games when the candidate is someone like The Witch and her ilk.