Is being in the bottom 3 actually helpful?

[TimTimSalabim]

Yes, being in the bottom 3 and not eliminated is on balance probably a good thing. It's human nature that people are going to be more motivated to vote if they think their favorite is in danger. Fantasia, Ruben, McPhee for a few examples all spent time in the bottom 3. More currently, look at how the VFTW movement got going into high gear this week after Sanjaya was in the bottom last week, and probably same with Phil's fans. Whereas Chris R and Stephanie fans probably thought they were safe. If someone just doesn't have a fan base to be mobilized, they're going to consistently be in the bottom, but other than that there is usually plenty of fluctuation in the bottom 3.