Yesterday, Kos had a diary: Senate GOP blows itself up. What the hell were they thinking? It pointed out that it was in the interests of the Republican Party to use the filibuster more judiciously. Republicans had to know that the shotgun approach would lead to something like the vote it did.
I'd like to suggest that they knew that very well. The tactics that they followed were not in the interest of the Republican Party. I would suggest, however, that they were in the personal interest of each senator who participated in each filibuster.
First of all, what do they fear? They fear a Tea-Party challenge in the primary. Even if they fear a Democrat in the general, we have proven incompetent in raising the filibuster issue in a way that resonates with voters. (And, now, nobody is going to pay any attention to past judicial filibusters.) If you're a Republican senator, then one single vote for a judge nominated by "That uppity N***" -- even a non-participation in a filibuster -- leaves you open to challenge by a crazy on your right.
Now, they are home safe. They can vote against all the appointments and have them pass. "It's not my fault," they can say. "It's those damn Libruls imposing their will on the country."