What went wrong with Knightmare?

[Willowherb]

Personally, I feel that the early series were meaner (in a good way) and were far more gripping to watch. There was definitely a 'no mercy' policy at work there, whereas latterly all sorts of allowances were made. For example, being helped by Gwendoline even without giving the right answers and making up 'convincing-sounding' (but wrong) answers to give to the Brollachan.
I hated it when Treguard consoled a series 8 losing team with these words as well:
"Magic would have helped you with this very difficult puzzle..."

Why not just just tell them off for not guiding their dungeoneer properly and be done with it?!