See, I've always liked Rob. I think he gets cocky and arrogant, but ultimately, he's a brilliant stratigist who loves playing games. My kind of guy.
Russell is also very brilliant. I think the biggest difference is that Russell doesn't get cocky and arrogant...Russell is cocky and arrogant.
Tyson...not so brilliant. What was he thinking? If he sticks the the plan, the only way Pavarti survives is if Russell uses the idol on himself. Perhaps he thought Russell simply wouldn't use the idol, but doesn't he know better than to trust his enemy? Guess he does now.
As for manipulation...Russell put on a really good show for Coach. You are right that Coach was loyal to Rob, but Coach respects honor above all else. I don't think Coach is any smarter than Tyson. Based on the previews, Rob is going to try to paint Russell as a wild card, but the way Russell handed Parvarti the idol was a calculated move to sway Coach.
I've got to say for Russell that he may be arrogant, but he knows how to play people. Last season, he took a dying team and turned them around. This season, I was ready to count him out before the vote, but when he talked to Tyson and Tyson said he was tempted to switch his vote...Rob is right...Russell is dangerous and this isn't over. Russell is smart enough to realize that he won the battle, but Rob still has an edge, but I don't think you can count Russell out until that final vote. After all, if Russell's play for Coach works, then with Tyson gone, the numbers are 4-4.
Honestly, most seasons of survivor are one tribe against the other. This season is Rob vs. Russell and very little else matters. Again, I don't think Russell can get better than second place, but...