LAST EDITED ON 12-03-11 AT 10:03 PM (EST)I can buy the argument that it's an okay initial strategy to make people like you, I guess, considering the hand Cochran was dealt... Although it's still not a fantastic shtick or anything, given how he still tumbled to the bottom of everyone's totem poles (and got voted off).
But if you're going to play the I'm-An-Awkward-Nerd-Look-How-Cute-I-Am Card, you eventually have to evolve later on to earn some respect from people (and jury votes). One of his confessions this week was very telling in a lot of ways... Where he said that he is constantly thinking of new ways to curry favor with Albert or make Brandon like him more. With Cochran, it all seemed to be about seeking people's approval, even after the merge.
I think Upolu probably liked Cochran enough by then, he doesn't keep having to sell to them. I mean, he gave them the friggin' game! That alone should make him very popular with them. But the longer he continues with his shtick, the more likely someone (like Sophie) would get tired of it. It's a double-edged sword.
You know it must be bad when a geek like myself (who has actually played the Cute-Awkward-Nerd Card before) is cringing at listening to his shtick.