Can one of the Yellow Avatars explain to me the main differences between the Libertarian candidates? And are they all doomed to lose against Gary Johnson?
They all support most of the LP platform, but with some minor differences.
Gary Johnson is popular in the LP due to previous results. (Also, he's been trying to rig the national convention delegates to mostly be for him paying for their flights/stays and such) He's been accused of not really being a libertarian and more centrist, which probably to some makes him more electable. A lot of his answers are "government should just stay out of it". Which is great, but also portrays
a bit of aloofness.
John McAfee (who I support), is a very intelligent, misunderstood candidate. His humor and history make some question his viability. He's strong on privacy issues, anti-NSA/Patriot Act/FBI/TSA etc. He is strong on gun rights and also strong on left issues like drugs and freedom of speech. Possibly the only candidate that really understands cybersecurity and threats from countries like China.
Austin Petersen is more right-libertarian. Former Rs probably like him best because he's the only one with a strong controlled immigration policy. Also, supports the return to gold/silver currency and removing legal tender laws ala Ron Paul. (McAfee feels things like bitcoin and credit cards are already taking over money as we know it, so just dump the Fed.)
I hope that helps in some fashion. It's somewhat difficult to really differentiate them.