Good points. But, apparently some of those back forming the country came together and gave up all of what they wanted to form a consensus. There is no “giving up what they want” here - they quit the battle.
Sitting out an election just means you sat out - no “teaching anyone a lesson”. Because in fact - no one cares what each of us think.
Politicians want power and will fight however they can to get that power no matter what you and I think. They will make decisions - no matter what you and I think.
So, if FR’s chose to sit out - they sat out. Nobody will be coming to their door begging them to tell them what to do or how to save the country. They sat out and therefore have no part or no say any longer.
But - if I can’t get who I want in there - I will sure be fighting to save as much of my conservative views as possible. I would be an idiot to surrender.
Voting for Romney is surrendering any conservative ideas you have.