Even if not enough of them do, if a significant number go "faithless" then strong, strong messages are being sent. Messages that just do /not/ go unheard or addressed.

It's more than just a message. If he loses a number of electors, given that he's already lost the popular vote significantly, and given that he may be coming into office with an approval rating below 50%...It's not going to take much for some Republicans in Congress to realize he's toxic and start distancing themselves from him, especially if this Russian hacking story has legs.

McCain, Graham, and Rand Paul have already started grumbling about some of his choices so far. I am sure Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio and Ben Sasse and Jeff Flake and Susan Collins will jump at any chance to get rid of him as soon as it's not political suicide to do so.

I'm really hoping the Republicans are keeping quiet for the moment so they can get all their "big ticket" items passed in the first Hundred Days, and once that's accomplished, they'll stop ignoring his recklessness.