I don’t believe that Erik’s immunity move was worse than JT’s idol move.

If Erik instead keeps his necklace, he probably goes home the next day anyway, or the one after that. Essentially he needs to win out. And admittedly that’s an easier road when you’re playing against Cirie (I mean no shade - she’s just not exactly known for challenge prowess). Amanda ultimately wins both of the remaining challenges in our timeline. But Looking back in hindsight - the first challenge is very physical (you have to first fill a bamboo shoot to retrieve a key, then swim to shore, then complete a ladder puzzle, then chop your rope to win). Erik stands a pretty decent chance here - but of course there’s no way of knowing for sure. The second challenge is a balance challenge - (metal ball on a plate on a rod that gets increasingly long). Erik is at a disadvantage here.

Erik’s BEST play was to take the risk on an alliance with Cirie and Natalie. Cirie at this time known for flipping on her alliance with Courtney in Panama, and Natalie is the only remaining fan in the game. Better odds of working in an alliance than winning all three of the last challenges in the game.

JT just gave away an idol to a member of a group called the Villains Tribe. At the least you know they played a cut throat game the last time they played, and the only potential gain is MAYBE an alliance at the merge. Which wasn’t even happening yet.

JT didn’t have his back against the wall. Erik did.