I remember that.
I don't think the producers really care who wins. I just think they care about who stays on for ratings. If Russell was voted out, ratings would go downhill. There's just nobody interesting enough left. Think about it:
Colby - Dull
Rupert - Dull
Amanda - Dull
Candace - Dull
JT - Dull
Sandra - Dull
Jerri - Used to be a great villain, but she's gone all soft
Danielle - Dull
Parvati - Annoying
Russell - Golden Ticket
All the interesting players (Rob, James, Coach, Tom, Stephanie, Tyson) are already gone.