"All the lies that mattered happened pre-merge . ." Still shows he was playing the game.He was never in danger because he was always in control. He was always in control because he was looked up to by fellow tribesmates who wanted to ally with him.
And I could sure see many players never thinking to use the idol to manipulate Jonathan or making a mess of it when they tried.
Both show how talented he was at controlling/manipulating people, and yes some of that happens because people see something in you that makes them willing to follow your lead. As with Brian, as with Tom.