>>I guess I'm the only one...<<Nope! I'm right there with you!
I like Ryan. And I've noticed - starting with last season - that he's getting better & more polished since Dick Clark started grooming him as successor.
Ryan asks the contestants how they're feeling because
A) It's his job
B) We all want to know what they're going to say
C) It gives contestants an opportunity to show their personality
D) If he didn't, people would complain about that
Emcees are under-appreciated -- like being the straight-man in a comic team. It's a tough job, a delicate balance, and I think Ryan is good at it.
As long as they don't get too gay-centric in their insults, I don't mind Simon & Ryan bickering. I LIKE it when Ryan questions Simon's comments - it gives Simon more time to talk. I DO mind Paula constantly interrupting Simon.