[jegmeister]

As a big Ben fan, I think it's too early to make the kind of judgements the OP is making. I think it could go either way - he could become very manipulative or he could get more relaxed and not worry.

However, look at it from his point of view, he's ahd Govan bitching about him behind his back ( and this was way before Ben's manipulations) and Shabby going beserk when Ben points out a few home truths and telling her troops to "avenge" her if she gets evicted.

He has 2 options. He can either fight back hard - this week get his attack in early - or risk being up and out next week.

If he is playing the game you're saying, I say good luck to him - he's playing it extremely well and is still remaining to be quite popular.