Thanks for the perspective, Tribe. You could be right...

Regarding Malcolm, I think back to the only other player that I can think of that returnees didn't know, RussHell, and I can't remember them trying to get him out right off the bat. But, look how that turned out, so perhaps these people have learned? But, the reason I see Malcolm not going, and Cochran perhaps getting the first boot does boil down to who is able to really help win challenges. We all know it's a game of numbers and if they don't stay on top of the numbers they could be in trouble. And, the only way to achieve that from the start is to win challenges.

Cockroach is not good in challenges, plain and simple. He's even admitted multiple times that he's not good with puzzles either. So, on this premise alone, I could argue for his boot. But, I suppose I should consider if there is anyone else out there that could possibly be worse at challenges than Cochran. Perhaps one of the girls...Francesquaw or Corrine. I think Corrine will be ok, I don't recall her being bad at them?

You did note: More often they have spoken of him as ally-able.

Cochran does have a few friends out there on his tribe, namely Dawn and Brandon. That alone could save him...I would be curious though to know where others have spoken of him as ally-able? I haven't been reading too much so I am out of the loop, again!

We all know that Philip will be gunning for Francesca, at least I think he will. And, Francesca will most likely be gunning for Philip. I do not see this conflict resolving anytime soon unless one of them were to be booted asap. This would be an "easy" conflict to resolve.

I agree that there are some peeps because of their past that I can see being saved as they could be great shields for later...Philip, Brandon. Maybe Cockroach, maybe Corrine. I just don't know.

I will admit, this is a hard one to call for me.

I do want to keep an open mind, but, let's just say it's going to be hard.