"They are more off this year, than they were near the end of the season last year. I think their sampling numbers are going to be smaller."
It would naturally be better at the end of the year as the number of contestants got smaller. I think you will see a similar convergence as we move along. The other factor is that there simply isn't that large a distinction amongst the guys. I'm not surprised they are all around the same in Dial Idol.
Regardless, it is the only system out there and it makes for good conversation...;-)
Zabasearch was a much better predictor than Dial Idol, but Zabasearch won't be doing their charts until the top 6.