Although Amanda has had a lot of criticism recently (some of it from me), I am beginning to think that she does belong on the panel. She is certainly very intelligent, and is taking the part of the grounded, feet-on-the-floor judge, not being an entertaining personality but delivering some sound judgements, which I think we need on this panel. The other three can get the laughs.
And yes, I think this is undoubtedly the best panel ever, with the judges being as entertaining as the acts (sometimes more so).