It's the third vote, second tribal for them. In a normal game, it's a really ******* stupid time to "make a big move." This is a different setup and I'm not sure getting to the merge with numbers will be much of an advantage. So it's not as stupid, but also not sure it's good gameplay.
For the new school players, they didn't need Danni to have the numbers. She was useless to them, so if Rob wants to vote out someone in his own alliance, why wouldn't they go along with it?
Rob isn't winning this game folks, he's not going to run this game like a godfather. But he makes for a great shield when you get to the merge. He'll be one of the first jury members.
You make some good points but the 1 thing I can't wrap my mind around is all these people won at some point and probably have followed the game over the years and should know exactly how Rob plays. Yet to me he's doing the same thing he always has, he manipulates people in a way they don't even realize it's happening. The first episode where he got Ben to spill the beans about his name coming up was classic Rob. You have Adam already referring to him as the godfather. The tribal the other night where he made everyone empty their bags out and they all just played along like it was nothing. He's in the drivers seat of the game right now because he's able to keep all the information flowing through him. If I were playing against him I would want him gone before he gets the chance to collect some advantages and build an alliance that gets me voted out before he does. He's sneaky good as he's been in the final 3 two of the 4 times he's played and this is the 6th season he's directly been a part of now.
It's a different kind of season, typically I always say you have to keep on the right side of the numbers while keeping your tribe strong up until the merge then it's all about alliances and numbers going forward. This season I think you throw out the logic about keeping strength on your tribe until the merge and get out the biggest threats while they are the must vulnerable which is right now while there aren't as many hidden idols and advantages in play. Eventually people are going to catch on that advantages are coming from edge of extinction too and with Amber now there that means on any given day there is a chance Rob could get one and he currently has 2 fire tokens to use. Individual immunity is going to be a dog fight this season I bet so at some point you have to eliminate some people you don't want to go up against after the merge too. There are several people on this season capable of going on a winning streak of challenge wins I think. Here's something to think about for immunity stats:
Rob - was won 9 individual immunities overall (4 times in All-Stars, 4 times in Redemption Island, once in Heroes vs Villains)
Kim - won 4 in One World
Parvarti - won 4 (1 in Micronesia and 3 in Heroes vs Villains)
As much as I like Ben he's always a threat to find idols as is Tony and both have potential to be tough individual immunity threats too. I think smart players should be looking end game plans already because unlike other seasons everyone on this cast has navigated their way to the end previously and several have played the game more than once too. May not be as easy as saying "oh we can always eliminate them after the merge" this time.
