At TC #4 Russell and Malcolm agreed, Denise was the whole package who would win if she got to FTC. That wasn't a whole-game reality at that point, it was a Matsing reality only, because none of them at that point had any non-challenge interactions with the members of other tribes.

Can she recreate that? Another II win would go a long way for her, especially if she is the target in goat Abi's gamble to stay in the game.

Mike has actually played a pretty good game, for some reason though it is being perceived as less of a game than it has been, going with the flow and being opportunistic is somehow unworthy. Lisa's game, though respectable in terms of loyalty, has been that of a follower, an emotional minefield, and none of her big plans have succeeded. (Well, actually, she did save Mike when he was in trouble, but that is viewed as having failed in her effort to throw Malcolm under the bus.) Malcolm has been playing smart, keeping his ear out and making good judgment calls, and he is well liked.

If he goes along with Abi's plan to oust Denise, because he retains the Matsing whole package impression, she is the only remaining playing in the game whom he fears, that's his kryptonite.

Just a freeform brainstorming post, feel free to pick it apart as much as you like.