They're probably trying to knock out some of the stronger contestants so that it will look like more of a horse race. We already know who the final four are, so at this point it's a question of whether Mike I. or Eli will come in fifth. Get rid of a Voltaggio and you might have some actual tension (about who will…

Yeah, on Mike I.'s advice, no less. Why didn't he run that idea past Michael—he owes him a steady.