I think the steadfast support for Palin is a reaction to the kingmaker style of politics that allowed the media and the republican party establshment to anoint John McCain as our candidate in 2008. And of course Bob Dole in the 90’s.
In other words the conservative base of the Republican party is saying: Palin or someone better if you can find someone better. But we are done with the namby-pamby politics of personal enrichment at the expense of our future.
Palin has it all. And the inside-the-beltway media & politicians are working overtime to diminish and marginalize her. Good luck with that. It only makes our support for her stronger.
A secondary result of attempts to ruin Palin is that Romney's never going anywhere politically after what happenned during 2008.
YMMV