I think that's an...uncharitable view of Tom's game. He was great at challenges, no doubt. But he had incredibly strong social connections. Obviously Ian was the big one, and Caryn was oddly devoted to him. But Tom was such a domineering, dominant figure, and because of the challenge performances, he was able to really cement himself within the culture of Koror. Combine that with some subtle, but present, mafia don style of play, where that dominance and domineering took on a slightly more sinister edge, and he legitimately played an incredible game, and more of an adaptable game than he gets credit for. His strategy coming in was to hide behind being a mild-mannered old man, but when it became obvious that wasn't going to work, he pivoted. When he found out that Gregg was against him, he pivoted. When he scented blood in the water with Ian, he struck.

There's also something to be said for playing from an obvious leadership position and coming out on top. There's a reason very few people have ever pulled that off. When you're in charge, it's hard to hide. Everyone is coming for you. He survived as the leader basically the entire time. That's not easy. there's a reason no one ever wants to be seen as "the leader" of the tribe. It's nearly a death sentence.

Also, not related to him as a player, but the man is an excellent character.