But remember that it was very similar when it was about prior votes. Most of the discussion during episodes 3 to 6 in Africa were about prior votes, the Mallrats wanting Frank and his group to vote one way so only one person had votes, then Boran getting to know who had those votes, etc... Palau centered around tie votes and how a tie would be broken with the rock, Stephenie voting for a tie then changing her vote, Tom twisting Katie's arm by threatening to go to the rock and not voting for her in the end if she did.

I think we can still get to know these people by how they react to the idol and the strategy involved. But, I agree that this season is ridiculous: If you have RI, you don't need idols. A player may have to get voted out THREE times before his game is over: 1st time all the votes against him are voided because he played the idol. 2nd time he goes to RI, wins all the duels and returns. Finally the 3rd time he's voted out of the game but wait...maybe they will save him by saying we have a Final 4 this season!!!