1) Should be the judges nominate the bottom 3 each week and let viewers decide until we reach the last 5 acts when it becomes the viewers only? Would we get a more realistic top 5?

2) Do you think we should scrap to the groups completely? Then, each of the judges can get have 2 of 16-24, 25 and overs?

3) Do you think each of the managers should get at least one of 16-24, 25 and overs, and perhaps 2 groups that allow instruments to be played?

4) Should this be televised at any other time of the year?

I would like to answer your questions, but quite frankly I couldn't make out what you were trying to say. I re-read your post and sorry I still couldn't understand.

Lol-I'm trying to inject some different perspective! I wonder if we will ever get tired of the formula!

I agree with point one, but not with the other points. If instruments were involved, you could end up with entire orchestras on stage!

I thought about having 4 categories; 16-24's.. 16-24 groups.. 25+'s.. 25+ groups.. but then if a group has members with varied ages, it wouldn't quite work

I think that after another year of awful groups, they may allow instruments, or give each judge an act from each category, though I don't know how they would work that.

What would people think of it being shown like American Idol, on a Tuesday night with results on the Wednesday. IMO I like X Factor on a Saturday night, but they need to make it a bit later than 5.45pm!!

I like it that way - performance one night, results the next - but I seem to remember that when Kelly Clarkson appeared on Pop Idol 2, everyone thought it was 'so cruel' that they had to wait a day. Also, it's ridiculously early. It's Saturday night viewing, and so should be on on Saturday night, not halfway through the afternoon.

Also, I think that while the judges have the power to kick off whoever they want, they should be able to choose between the bottom three, like on So You Think You Can Dance. It usually makes for a fairer result.

I think this is the last X-Factor for a while. Simon talent show and/or PI back next year. Group category has been iffy really throughout in terms of no. of quality of acts (not quality of finalists) which I think explains why there have been allegations of fixing groups to make the show.

My suggestion in terms of voting would be:
- vote for favourite act
- bottom 2 announced
- vote lines opened again for 5 mins for public to save the act they want while the acts sing again.

MB

The groups have been a nightmare. Very few groups without instruments actually make it.

I like the current system of judges voting, it creates controversy and is usually right (apart from with Louis though Maria apparantly had the lowest votes). It also helps to distinguish the show from Pop Idol.

Despite Simon saying there would be changes this year, I don't really see them. I like that the contestants are given more time to respond and the blue background works better than red, though I feel the main stage may be a bit too small.

What I would change:
Have 4 judges, each gets a young, older and a group
Add a second presenter, maybe Steve Jones?
Make the stage bigger
Have a live band?
Start at 7pm