[Blarg]

The set-up definitely seemed ridiculously weird, but I didn't really know what to think.

I agree that it wouldn't have done a thing to harm the show just to create a more honest situation. The reason to watch it is all in the kitchen, really.

PBS just had a show very much like this, where the winner gets his own restaurant, but was judged by a panel of judges, and there were no customers. It was actually better than this show. The kitchen stuff is more than good enough on its own.