I think of the two choices he was the best; the one most likely to be able to pull voters off of Labour and the Lib Dems.
Like you say i think the point of agreeing with Blair was to split the Labour party, but my politics teacher reckoned, and I'm tempted to agree, that it could blow up in his face.
In terms of his first PMQ's, I hated it. The thing is, when poor Davie thought he was being mature in ending 'punch and judy' politics he failed to realise the punch and judy aspect of British politics is the only thing that makes it interesting, we have enough of a problem with turnout WITH the fights over the table, never mind without it.
Well, at least good ol' Dennis Skinner will always be around to spice it up...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4509994.stm