Deserving is always a interprative term, especially in a show that is fan/voter based. It's based on fans. It's not a slight if an amazing dancer doesn't win- because it's not strictly a talent based outlet. If it was it would be SYTYCD, DID (even those have fan components though 😆) etc. This is Dancing with the Stars, the criteria is be a star, nothing else. In my book, if it was about "deserving" it would be the person with the lowest bank balance of them all because they' obviously need it most 🤣
Hearing all of this bickering and condesending attitude of how Y is more talented and should win over X. Or how X will win because of being part of the Channel is just so bloody petty.
Just enjoy the effing program. Get over your high horses; appreciate the effort that EVERYONE is putting into their performances, and finally live and let live.