Contestant's Patron

The Patron is you.
What are you paying Nexus in? Your attention. Your writing. Your creativity. Your teamwork. Your interest in this roleplay. Your time.
Why can't the Contestant ever see the Patron? Because they're just a character in a roleplay! They're not real, and they can't see you, who is reading this from your computer or phone.
Where is the laughter coming from? Me. And you.
How did Nexus kidnap the Contestant? Let's rephrase this. How did you fill out the character creation sheet?
So then who is Nexus? Is that me, Viirin? No. Nexus is the in-person characterization of the roleplay itself.
If the party gets too frustrated with the current campaign, then instead of doing a deus ex machina, Nexus will bring the party to the next campaign. Is there a lot all the players miss out on? Yes. But it's better to go to a campaign you all can understand easier than it is to let you all quit out of frustration.
In order to keep players involved and the story active, the roleplay might require a new setting, and so Nexus, A Mile is Not Enough, whoever the current Game Master is, moves things along.
So yes, Nexus is Deus Ex Machina, but also he does other things. Usually annoying things, but that's to get a laugh from the party or to help a player who really needs it. But I absolutely won't help anyone every time they need help! That cheapens the experience. Remember our rule: Trial By Fire.