Did you not get the mild criticism and effusive praise?
Nothing even-handed about that.
But only complaints where they can "win."
It reminRAB me of political meetings where a prospective MP plants a supporter in the audience to ask a "difficult" question for which they have a pre-prepared excellent response. (remember, this is "telly").
I've just answered that. No reason for confusion.
Yes, you're wrong, they've always used actors.