You guys are gonna scare the children on this forum. xD
But interesting conspiracy theories. Now, what if Rover wasn't really dead? Perhaps, after Nook sent his hit man after Rover, Rover pretended to be dead and really survived in that dark attic because the player saved his life. And perhaps, Rover decided to let the player become mayor in his stead as gratitude for saving his life and so Nook doesn't learn he's still alive. Also, Brewster and Porter are apparently on Rover's side. And maybe Rover's just an alias? Yeah, idk if that makes any sense. lol