Even the Gore democrats know that the Greens cost them the election by not voting for Gore --- who still came very uncomfortably close to winning. The Paleos (Conservatives) stuck with the party unlike the Greens who decided third party was the way to go. I don't know if the Greens will continue to grow or reunite with the Democrats in the next election. I guess the Greens would still be called a fringe party --- but the democrats did learn not to underestimate the power of taking their candidate's votes.
Let us say you are correct. Let us say they proved that the 'rats can't count on the green vote. Has the rat party grown stronger in anyway to because of Dubyas 2000 win? Not according to the 2002 elections, and it seems very likely that Dubya will win again in 2004. Now do you think the Greens are happy that they made their point? I know Paleos see no differenece between Dubya and Gore. But Republicans and rats sure do. If I was a 'rat I would not consider Greens to be my allies.
Right now I smile when I see Nader. I like Greens taking votes from rats. The 'rats love Paleos and the media will attempt to play them to their discontent as much as they can. possible.