I don't think what you mention is what ian refers to, Mobian.
Let's see it this way:
Through ian's plan:
math and Oa couldn't die because we would protect them, and it is extremely unlikely Maf would target them.
If they targeted ian, a player would be confirmed which isn't good for Maf, making him an also unlikely target.
In that case, they woukd have to target one of me and you— the only two who don't have a reason not to be NK'ed, plus we both claimed GA.
This is good for town, since if one of us is confirmed, the other one is highly likely the last Maf.
If one of us is truly the last Maf, then surely they would protect the other so they can keep suspicion centered on someone else besides them in an attempt to survive and get nothing confirmed.
So then the question is: besides your hunch, why did you decide to protect me instead of Oa?