Here's something.  Just based on looking at these actors personal websites who would you say is looking like they would end up being RJ?

http://kevincorrigan.net Rob Kirkland (possibly brother? but what about the handshake?- herring)

http://www.jackplotnick.com Brett Partridge (maybe not dead - face not shown when checking for tattoo - herring?)

http://www.xanderberkeley.net Sheriff McAllister (methinks this his body never got burnt to a crisp and he fixed in a charred body double and left a touch of dna)

Forget about the others.  Stiles is way too old. Hafner is way too goofy (but how the hell could he not remember who RJ would be when we was on that damn farm.  Wasn't he there at the same time?!). Reede is desperately seeking susan. Bertram?! If he was even a bit smart enough at least he would have tossed a toupee on his coconut before heading to the bar - ridiculous.  

As for the phobia about heights - that was RJs additional insecurity to not admit his true fear:
Sophie Miller recorded: I sense something deceptive and dark in his emotional makeup.However, there is every indication that his phobia issues are real whether acrophobia or some other issue remains to be seen.  

Could it be pigeons?