The field includes at least four successful governors, during a period when being a successful governor isn't easy: Pawlenty, Daniels, Barbour and Christie. Add to that Senator John Thune and you've got five substantial candidates.
Notice that I've left out bomb-throwers like Newt and Sarah, and others like Trump, Huckabee and Giuliani. They are fun to listen to but probably not widely viewed as presidential.
Even if you take Christie at his word that he doesn't see himself going for it, and set aside Barbour for his, to some, excessive Southernness, you've still got three strong candidates. Plus add to the list wild cards like Jeb Bush, another successful governor.
People are mistaking for a weak field a flock of candidates with no clear leader. Never fear, a leader will emerge.
