Stephen has a blog on every episode of Survivor, he was on Rob Cesternino's podcast along with Courtney Yates, he actively participates on the Sucks board and in the POS group so I'd say he does watch the episodes. You could forward your thoughts directly to him if you want to go to Sucks or reply to his blog.

But this isn't about Stephen, I just brought it up because it was funny that the first post I read after writing my reply here and going to Sucks were Stephen's words. It was just too...perfect!

BTW, it certainly can be both: Russell with the numbers as in HvV is much more effective than without. He was damn lucky that Galu imploded. I think that's what Stephanie meant. As for her gameplay, I'm surprised you weren't impressed with her plan to make a fake idol, how she fooled Steve and had Julie admit that it "made sense". The rest, why Julie didn't go along, we simply don't know. You assume it's because Stephanie made a fool of herself because it corresponds to your feelings about her. I don't because I think Julie should have made the move. My assumption is that Julie, like you, simply never liked the people on the other side.

As for Stephanie's social game, I think it's due to her tribe's composition. Often tribes are too young for people like Steve or Julie to socialize but Zapatera must be the oldest tribe ever besides Espada and Chewing Gum. Given the right social group, I can see Stephanie integrating and making moves that no one would expect. Her spunk and her funny comments are why she is high on my list. I assure you it isn't only to contradict you although that is a nice collateral payoff.