Day 1, post BB Final, checking in....after thinking on it some, I think Dan was guilty of "overplaying" the game. Yes, he played well, but the ruthless, evil persona overtook him to where he could not make the smart move and tell Brit, that yes, he did feel bad about evicting her, among other things. His smugness and convoluted lying cost him votes in the end, and that my friends, is all part of the game. He lost. Game over! Further discussion as to did he "deserve to win" is moot. If he really deserved to win, he would have convinced the jury to vote otherwise. Also, part of the game.
I got that impression too that when he did his first huge move in taking himself out and putting Britney in and being able to trick Danielle so easily, it was almost like he got drunk with power. Being able to be the puppeteer over these house guests, it looked like he stopped thinking of what the best way to go (getting to the finals with least people hating you) but he wanted to see how often he can bring people in to just cut them loose.
Dan played a great game, he might even be the MVP of the season, but again having the most focus and most events happening because of you (and to his credit it looked like he did a lot of it on his own... not through production help) doesn't nessesary make you BB champ, as I think some of the aspect you have to take into account is getting to the finals without people hating you. And hate and respect is a very fine line it seems.
By the way I blame the people who changed their strategy or instincts because somebody else brings out a book, or a chain, or a ring. If you make your decisions on something like that, it's on you. So I have nothing against Dan for that.
