Dear Scroobal,
Yes, many WP campaign helpers and supporters are very disappointed by this outcome. Am I disappointed? No, because in my view, the result of near 45% is within my estimate prior to elections. I wasn't expecting a win, though a plus minus 3% is within the standard errors. This is based on the statistical feel from knocking doors.
Ever since 1970s, no opposition candidates have won during their first electoral participation. 45% for a GRC is not the best result for the first try historically but not so bad either.
As for James' saga, I believe that it has minimum impact on the ultimate outcome, maybe just a 1% or at most 2% only. It won't change the fact that we would still lose, though with higher votes.
Goh Meng Seng