The most important part of the compromise on Filibuster is that 7 Republicans broke ranks with the conservative majority. It wasn't in their own interest to do so. It is going to get them a lot of harshness, but they did it anyways. This is a spectacular thing. The right wing went so far, some Republicans had to act on their beliefs that take the asy way of following Bush and Frist. This is part of a turning point.
Bush having to threaten a veto on Stem cell bill is also part of this. Their party is starting to fracture along traditonal/fundametnalist lines.