Probst himself had described Denise as one of the most endearing person they ever had on the show. That was after filming but before the live finale. I expect he also changed his mind! I'm glad to say that I gave her a bunch of 2s and 3s and never a note higher than 4. From the start, it was evident that she was getting the "Tourist" edit.

As far as being a tool, she came close to either a final 4 challenge win or reaching a deal with Amanda. Making the F4 with a clear shot at the F3 and no real enemies on the jury isn't bad at all. She even had the sympathy card to play to them. It was way better for her to be Amanda's tool than Peih Gee's where she would have enemies on the jury and no cards to play.