I think it is possible - especially in light of what we have seen from Fleiss and his crew - that the whole Ed thing of hating the guys - having to leave etc - was all scripted. Then he comes back -creating a lot of drama with the remaining guys. Fleiss has figured out that there has to be some sort of twist or surprise to get away from the routine love story. We're never going to see it - would take away the mystery - so we have to be challenged with the little tricks. If Ed was paid to return - then he is not going to be upset at being dropped in the end. I personally don't think the picture in the Canadian magazine was a surprise - it's all done to create a buzz.
Small thing but it grates - Ed in his PI says "her and I" - something like would get along well....
Then Jillian in her interview says "him and I" ...
Maybe they would be very well matched !