If he did run, he is a liar and maybe a little stupid on the side.  Why in the hell would anyone think that a loss in the primary would mean greater numbers could come as an independent?

Anyhow, when you say:

"The best aspect of the Ron Paul boomlet is that it may prod the rest of the current GOP candidates (who seem to be trying to out-shout their dubious conservatism at each other) to realize the large Republican base hungry for constitutional, libertarian views.

I would defer to the Overton window effect however.  It has been significantly moved, but the foot stomping temper tantric, intolerant Paul types who have no patience with the measure of change so far will keep scaring back those who are willing to ride along back to the right at a more comfortable rate.

It doesn't mean stop the message, just how it is delivered.  I have some very good friends who are supporters of Ron Paul, or of his ideas, yet are not obnoxious and condescending cretins.  We can actually have conversations.