I think what's escaping the current threadplay is that when you're an overwhelming State like Russia and the perceived nemesis (Georgia) is on your back forty you can play all sorts of games such as bait-the-sucker with any number of provocateurs.

Post Russian occupation of much more than Ossetia, Georgia experienced major loss of infrastructure far and beyond what was going on at the borders with the disputed territories. Hard to see that happening without Russian approval or outright action.

This doesn't get Georgia out of the doghouse for being pretty stupid at getting into the current mess.