I'd say that it was the SL influence. Why? because of the Fain's parallel to the Fool, and Mat's parallel to the Joker. Both are similar and I think root from SL. They are both wild cards. SL has a weird effect because of it's reverse polarity to the DO's evil. RJ said something to the effect that Fain is not apart of the pattern's plan, that he is a wild card. We also know that Mat could and very well still might betray Rand. We see this in his alternate lives experienced through the portal stones. I think he is also a wild card.