The only real problem I've got with Obama as a justice is he's never been a judge. I know it's not required, but it's helpful.

And he turned out pretty good (except for that internment camp stuff).

Thurgood Marshal was never a judge.

In his later years he went into dementia and wrote an opinion saying trees could sue the government. When that happened the SC stopped hearing cases when his vote might mean a difference. They waited until he died or retired. When he retired guards at the SC had to stop him from coming to the building because he thought he still worked there.

to confirm Obama's nominee Garland between the time the new Senate is seated and the new President
is chosen.

One of Garland's selling points is the GOP already likes him - this gang of thieves voted pretty overwhelmingly to give him his current position. If we GOTTA wait till the new Congress is seated, why not pick one of their nightmares?

refute the Republican conduct by giving it to him.

But if the Republicans believed your scenario was likely wouldn't they just confirm Garland instead after the election?