I'm wondering if giving Lawson the power may have done him a dis-service. Guys like Travis would step up, be hated and then sent packing pretty quick, given recent BBAU history. Lawson could get people onside with adorkableness. But, having power thrust upon him early on seems to have stripped him of his charm, and instead the underdog appeal is actually warming sentiment towards Travis, of all people, almost turning him into a male Skye.
With Sam and Lawson having the power, and then Cat too, they became the power centre, and, thus, eviction bait. If Tim had had 'the power' or its eviquivalent early on, perhaps he wouldn't have been the fan favourite. Aussies like to see the top dog shot down, and the scrappy underdog prevail. Timbo did a lot to spin his story in this way - using the names like Misfits etc. Lawson, Sam and Cat became seen as powerful, as Katie and Lisa left, whereas last year Ed, Heidi etc were so sure of their position that theyrealosed too late they had no power, and no one to expose the cards to.
If another clique had the power, and Lawson was on the ropes he would be more popular. Oh, and if he hadn't hooked up with Cat.