http://www.history.com/shows/alone/articles/want-to-be-on-alone
Easy $500k for you guys.
There is a thread on BCUSA where at least three of the participants have discussed some of the show (they are prevented from talking about all of it). The thread is closed now because of a lot of people talking shit about how easy it would be. Sam, in particular said that the biggest issue is not knowing ... when you're leaving. He said it was like being asked to run a marathon, film yourself, and keep running until someone at some point in the future tells you to stop. And the weather is miserable. And you're hungry. And you're thirsty. Being on that island during the rainy season has just got to be shitty all around. I was stationed at McChord and spent a few days out in that drizzle, but none of the participants are from the PNW, so they're all unfamiliar with the environment.
This isn't reality is true, and it is a TV show. If it were reality, they would certainly be able to move to find something better, but they're restricted by rules and prevented from doing some things. Going out on a 10-day hunt by yourself can be difficult with modern equipment and being able to move camp as needed, but you also know that you're done on day 10 (or taking a break on day 5 to grab a cheeseburger, fries and a shower).
As for the predators ... well, it's different growing up with them and not growing up with them - especially kitties. Not being scared of them is a skill that you can't teach yourself without experience. While every black bear I've seen has shown me his ass as soon as he was aware of my presence, I know they're not all like that. I've never seen a cat in the wild and not sure I ever want to. I've no interest in fighting a Cuisinart hand to hand. I don't blame guys unfamiliar with bears, cougars, and wolves to be a bit freaked out by them.