They definitely include people who are there just for upping the drama. Aaron being one of them.  We're on season two at the moment, and there were about four who seemed to be included just for ratings. (they win prizes for Most Contentious, Most Deluded, and Unbelievably Stupid)  You do wonder where they go to find these people.   

On the other hand, I read an article that said none of the previous winners of the show have ever ended up with their own restaurant.  The first winner turned down onwership of the Hell's Kitchen restaurant in LA, went to London to work with Mr Ramsay, and then flagged it after a few weeks.  Season two winner, Heather, worked not as Executive chef at the Red Rock, but as senior chef at another restaurant. 

See here for more:
http://www.restaurant-hospitality.com/article/14221

Apparently the hype isn't just limited to the contestants and Mr Ramsay.  Pretty disappointing for the 'winners'. 

My wife and I,being owners and operators of our own restaurant in Santa Barbara County, just got turned on to the show.   Whoever picked Matt from the lineup- had to do so based on that classic "Squeezing Out the Turds" expression he so often exposes under stress-which is quite often.  That face is too much!  I guess he can make a pretty good risotto as well - thats pretty much what he can do- Wince and Stir!!