If we believe the premise of the show who else but Patrick Jane could pull off being Red John? Do we actually believe it is an inbred, small town, hick sheriff? I hope the writers of this show will have enough respect for the fans and not leave us with such a ridiculous answer to the driving force behind this show. I believe one of 2 possible theories:
1) We will find out that the hick sheriff was merely a distraction to allow Patrick (the real Red John) escape.
2) We will find that Jane has imagined the entire series as he lays confined to a padded cell, jail cell, or strapped to the table waiting for the lethal injection for the murders he has committed.