This is how I see it-- there is no reason, on EITHER side, to avoid having the hearings. Now, putting someone in the court is another matter entirely and in that aspect, elections do have consequences.
To have the hearings and not confirm a nominee is perfectly right and perfectly reasonable. Garland is NOT going to be an acceptable candidate to the majority of the Republican Party. Obama specifically nominated him FULLY KNOWING this, but is hoping that they stick to their refusal to even hold a hearing. Why? Because refusing to even have a hearing makes them look petty and vindictive. If they break their vow and have the hearing-- then they lose the support of some of their far right supporters who don't understand that they're being politically manipulated on all sides.
In my opinion.. they should have the hearing and then summarily reject Garland. Not a difficult thing to do. They have the majority, they don't even need a real reason to reject him, but his history of being somewhat anti-police and very much in support of 2a restrictions give them good and valid reasons to present to the voting public during an election year. It would be the smartest political move.