push/fold mode is something I learnt on this site and have found it invaluable. However, I just wonder if it always applies, e.g. under all circumstances.

On watching TV the other night, I saw a poker game that included pro's and internet players. They started with 6 and were down to 5, the short stack played the whole game with less than 10 * BB and he wasn't solely pushing/folding.

Also, I wondered if push/fold still applied in the following scenario's that I've come across recently....

1. With 5 people left, I've got the second biggest chip stack and the three with less than me aren't pushing/folding.
2. Bubble Play, again where I'm third or better in chip stack sizes.
3. Speed Game. I've seen the blinds rise sufficiently so that even the big stack can't keep up with 10 * BB - Is he/she in push/fold mode?
4. In the money. Similar to the above, blinds can get high and people struggle to meet 10 * BB - does push/fold apply?

If the answer is yes - it always applies then fine. Just wanted to canvass opinion on this so that I can secure it in my mind for future play.

Thanks.