I remember four years ago when everyone was saying that if the GOP didn't nominate a RINO that we would wind up with Hillary or Obama.
When Republicans run as conservatives (Reagan, Bush in 88, GWB) they win. When Republicans run as RINOs (Ford, Bush in 92, Dole, McCain) they lose.
The whole "go with the RINO" strategy is created by the media to insure a 'Rat victory.
Bullseye
Then, even for those who will "settle" for Romney, if they really thought their way through that, they don't want Romney, but they're signaling that they'll "settle", so why not, if you're the GOP-E, just drive on with Romney. After all, the naysayers have already told you that they'd settle.