I don't know what Paul and Victor were expecting?
Had James been voted out, the next comp would have been Nicole going against the two of them, and obviously they would both be on the block. Keeping James was definitely the right move as he has done nothing deserving this season.
So, the way I see it if after the last challenge
Nicole wins and picks James....... James wins?
Paul wins and picks James..........Paul wins?
James wins and picks Nicole........James wins?
And how about that Jury house!!! That's where the real happenin' is happenin'
Just my opinion, of course.