Ok, I waver back on forth on this theory, as it's a bit out there... I still believe RJ is Patrick Jane even though Heller says he is not....why you ask?

What if...Patrick Jane doesn't or no longer exists...
What if...he was killed and Red John took his identity

That would mean that PJ is not Red John as Heller says, but reverse it...Red John is now PJ. This would explain why his wife and child also had to be killed. They would recognize the difference.

What better way to continue your crimes while not being caught. anyone remember Face Off the movie?

There are too many similarities and how RJ knows that list of 7 names is just too ironic.

What if the list are those he wants to get rid of and this is his way of skillfully doing so.

To my last point, in a French interview Heller mentioned that once RJ was revealed, the series must conclude and there could be no spin offs. That only implies the major character PJ must be outed. The intrigue lost. IMO that's because they are NOW the same being. A symmetry reminder by Tyger Tyger... Good and evil... PJ and RJ

Okay, so I know this is out there, but it's my gut!!