I actually read faster than a regular narration would go. It may not make reading a story faster than watching a movie version (mostly, I think, because movies tend to condense), but I do prefer to find out information by reading rather than watching a video.
I have a feeling Echo set this up to get Norm to admit he loves her, and Neil is probably just playing a part in her plan. I would think it out of character for Echo to actually use Neil.
Darwin awards are not given to children, who are naturally inclined to do stupid stuff.