I think people attribute more game playing to R.N. than he is likely to participate in.  I believe he has much more to deal with in the realm of practicalities than sitting around scheming about timing the SP.  SHs are expected to be able to roll with the punches while management gets the real job done, which may or may not concern the immediate SP, but certainly relate to issues which will ultimately reward the SHs with a respectable SP.