User blog comment:ArtDraw12/TD Theories: Why DJ didn't just quit?/@comment-26910203-20160829005603/@comment-11883116-20160829013042

I understand "because the writers" reasons, but this theory is about in-universe reasons.

As for non-elimination episodes, I think they (producers and Chris) always planned them in advance, especially since they needed to prepare a reward (like hire Swedish masseuse). The only one that wasn't planned was Greece's Pieces. Possibly also Rapa Phooey!, as Heather didn't really get any special reward (cookies were always in the first class).

As for real life reasons, yeah Team Amazon consisted of main characters of this season so they couldn't be voted out too early.