Ladders
I think that part of the reason why Etho's (and the rest of Team Duck's, but mostly Etho's) plan worked was because he'd been showing everyone fun little things for the nostalgia. Everybody went up to play because Etho was excited about it! He's Ladders! He goes up and then goes down (because he needs to not be on the ladders)! His cover genuinely being 'I had to eat and I turned around' is so funny. He did do that! He did nearly die for the bit!
But also, why didn't they put a different block on top like glowstone or something so that it would look like some sort of special goal zone and less suspicious than 'entire sand pillar'. I think that was the main reason why his cover didn't work as well. Gem doing her best to cover for him and then Pearl covering for both her teammates with a fervor, unknowing, was helpful and Scar being so lost is just perfect.
Also he gave the diamonds to Cleo, King of the Ladder and of Hermitcraft. All the diamonds he won from the dragon, even though he got the final shot. Iconic.
