yeah... this strategy is something I've thought about since the first shows. It kinda made the 9am time slot make more sense (ie, getting it on the air but at low-viewage time slot so things can happen and no one will really take notice).
It's the only thing that makes sense of the time slot... and what has been happening all along.
If this were in a real time slot with lots of viewers, it probably would've been cut by the 3rd episode.... if for no other reason than for just the inconsistency of it (inconsistency from all the changes / improvements being made).
but... what do I know? I'm just a lowly Reality Show lover. :)