I think you are being too kind. I think the Republican party wants a one-party state, and they don't give a shit how they get there.
I agree with you, but short term I think they are more terrified of Trump and his influence with the base.
I think they love that Trump will be moved but can still use him as a martyr, while being politically frightened about his power within the base.
Put yourself in the shoes of a republican congressman. At any moment the party leader can destroy your career, and he has. You secretly want him gone but you also need his base.
Best solution....someone else takes him out. You declare loyalty and keep the base on your side.
Unfortunately, Trump isn't going away into the sunset.
I think the Republicans have a much bigger issue than they think right now but, it seems like they are hoping that Trump just goes away.
It kind of reminds me of our basketball program when Knight just violated the zero tolerance (which was again a cowardly move to appease everyone).
Knight didn't go away. He went to Tech and we had, or still have, a schizm in the fan base because of Knight, his essence and his popularity.
If you wanted to coach at IU, you dare not criticize Knight after he was fired. You better be screaming at Brand and showing your loyalty.
Anyway, this Trump stranglehold on the party with his popularity reminds me of Coach Knight.
EDIT: I'm not saying Trump and Knight are the same guy. Knight was actually a basketball savant and had one of the best basketball minds in history. I'm comparing their populous with a base and the long term damage that came out of his removal.