I agree with Stekay (as usual, BAE.)
This is a top 10 season in terms of all people actually PLAYING (one could argue Joe had some strategy lol), fantastic characters whether you liked some of them or not, and some incredible historic moments:
- Jennifer ear bug (ewwwwwww!!)
- Caleb's tearjerking evac, plus that heat-exhaust challenge
- Alecia in general being terrible but lol-worthy
- Aubry losing both of her closest allies and still making F3
- Tai's "No." to Scot on turning down the superidol
- The superidol concept in general and the paranoia ensuing that caused Debbie's elim
- all of Cydney's sassy moments, GOD BLESS HER.
- good locale with Cambodia with incredibly harsh conditions
- a savvy female social player standing atop at the end, narrowing the male-female winner gap to 18-13, not counting Sandra's second victory
Michele as a winner IMO probably falls in the 15th to 22nd range as being tough with immunities and great social game, but not being totally aware or in charge strategically.
I will say there is credit to a bitter jury - Scot/Jason can't reward the person who got them out, thus Aubry doesn't win. Plus Michele made bonds with those guys, Aubry didn't (which explains her fault in the end-game.) She played a little too much "chess" like Spencer, despite being emotional and polite to the camera. Clearly this is the case because even Debbie, who she exclaimed her sorrow for voting out, still voted for Michele.
Nick respected Aubry's game, but the others didn't feel a close connection at any point.
