Trump is going to do the opposite of what Pence wants
Pandering to the religious right is not going to be enough - Pence can never promise them anything big enough
If the media makes a big enough deal about shock value that those pardons will bring, Trump will do it
Lastly, those criminals will be out eventually, and they can organize, fund raise - whatever. Whether they get out in January or months after, they will join their scumbag brothers and sisters to try and destroy anything they don't like. Their criminal records won't matter - many other Americans with clean records receive much less access and less privilege. Their goal is to widen that gap. Pardons are not usually awarded based on merit. Having said that, those convicted for Jan 6 participation, in my opinion should have been charged with treason, attempted murder, murder, manslaughter, and MINIMUM be UNDER the jail. Now - whether charges would have stuck, or were convicted on all charges, those charges should go through a jury court process. Civil damages should also be allowed.
If they get pardoned, it will be a dangerous act. Either way, most will be out sooner than later and we must actively resist MAGA efforts and sentiment everywhere. As boisterous as they have become, there must be a loud enough collective to rise and shame that evil. They cannot be allowed to go all over tearing down our country. The fact that they had to 'overthrow' it or 'take it back' shows that they know it has left that evil behind. Our country can survive bad evil presidents - but not by standing by and doing nothing.