Regrettably, you are likely right in most of your points. However, I am an optimist and hope that A Cruz candidacy will breakout and escape the orbital reach of the GOP-e.
Cruz did more than could be expected of him, but it’s the Republican primary voters who may let us down AGAIN. It’s somewhat like General Lee said of his men: “More was expected of them than they could deliver”.
I would like to see Cruz appointed to the Supreme Court if his candidacy does not succeed. That would be a nice consolation for him, and for the country.