Yeah, considering Paul stated he made deals with both, pretty disingenuous to claim that reason for not taking James.
Who knows, maybe he thought James would get more votes from jury.
As to the way Julie read the votes, with 5-4, it would have been pretty surprising if she hadn't read them with it coming down to the last, but I believe you are right. We've seen Jeff on Survivor always read the votes in a certain order.
Just my opinion, of course.