Regarding the Big Game, I'd think 'collusion' is extreme. Anyone who comes into that game is going to be an underdog because of a) the competition b) the structure c) the stakes. The regulars are going to individually target the weak guy and have to respect one another's games. They're individualy working towards the same goal. They each understand this arrangement is to their benefit, because its better to go up against the weaker players at the table. I doubt it goes beyond that.