I seem to recall one time that Pat Sajak mentioned some viewers inquired why he wasn't always trying to hit the $5,000 spot on the wheel more often. I believe he said he would just spin the wheel with just enough strength, and not try to make it look as though he was trying to help certain contestants win.
Sometimes, I think they should maybe bring back the $1,500 space in that round, (can't recall what season it was dropped), and maybe even keep the $2,500 and $3,500 wedges on the wheel during the entire show. I'm sure prize budgets have something to do with that!