He may be well aware that Colton needs to go before merge. True, but IMO maybe not for the reason you think. I have always thought that the first priority in voting someone out should be to eliminate them from jury participation, if you think you have no chance with that particular juror.
Matt was the perfect choice for first boot for the Misfits in that regard, his ideal for the game was himself and nothing less.
Colton as a juror, who knows, he should probably offed as well. Same for Bill from what we've seen, who knows how he really thinks.