I still say that it wasn't RJ making a big deal so much as his later comments and sheer enjoyment of the fan speculation. He said those things so often that it became a huge deal. And yes, it was sorta BS-ey.

It definitely wasn't worth it, but I have to give some credit since RJ never intended to make it a mystery. Lots of folks did say, "Well Asmo had some idea where Graendal actually hid herself, so it was probably her." And they were right.

But still not worth it. It's almost a paradox...