It could be a good idea to start a new topic, FP. This one is too long already, and the episode topic isn't that focused ... or we could tag onto that one.

Everything you say is kaching, gold, I can't really argue with any of it, which means I can't seal the deal on any choice. You are right; there is every reason for Rob to boot Andrea, and we know he has the support. He had it in Ep 2. Here are some possibly weak counterpoints.

1) Even though Andrea could reunite with Matt, that is actually a more remote chance --because it involves Matt winning a number of duels-- than the CERTAINTY that Kristina would flop to Zapatera. She is older. Zapatera is mature people (with the harem gone). Kristina has nothing with Ometepe. Would Matt have any connection with Zapatera? Doubtful. They have enough alpha males, and he and Andrea are young and threats.

So ... they can play up the Andrea/Matt threat, but it's still less of a threat with Matt gone than Kristina is ... not gone. But people do lose perspective.

I think Andrea is a long term character because of the attention she got in the first episode, even though she was not necessary to develop. Similar to Natalie, and Matt too. Now perhaps Matt's whole story is that he takes out Russell. That really is a big story.

Francesca said that Matt and Andrea were close from Day One, but we were not shown them as a couple until Ep 2. That did allow the Matt boot to be a surprise, but it also gave Andrea her own story, independent of Matt. She told us about herself after Philip corrected her chopping technique.

I love the idea the Rob is scared when he learns that Russell is gone. That would certainly pop any balloon of false security.

I don't see a problem with Kristina being low profile in the promos. My theory behind the original OFG theory was always that the boot must be introduced. In Kristina's case, she has already been a boot target, who was saved by the idol last time.

In the past, editing has built players up as boot targets, and then backed away from them when it's actually their time. They need to make them obvious targets because of the earlier story revolving around them, but then they like to focus the spotlight on other players, as if we'll think the target has shifted.

For example, with Stephanie, even though right now she is sooo toast, when Zapatera is about to lose we may see some drama about Rooster's idol, or Steve's NFL history, or how Julie almost flipped ... to make us think she has a chance.