Where XF really falls down imo is the judges also being mentors. This year highlighted the failings of this more than any other.
- Judges not voting when their acts are both in bottom 2
- Judges preferring rival acts but saving own out of loyalty.
- Judges tacticall voting out competition
For example, Gary imo preferred Tamera to his act Kingsland Rd in sing off but voted for KLR to stay.
Nicole refusing to vote out her girls Abi or Hannah in sing off.
Sharon voting out RC as they could have been a threat in final (their fans are young, multi cultural urban and lets be honest not vote for Sam )
By getting rid of mentor aspect (have guest mentor for all acts otherwise if rylan got 1D he'd win). Obviouly probably won't happen due to TV format
Also Louis being honest - backing Sam in final over Nicholas but seen as a betrayal.
Or mix up categories so each judge has a girl, over, boy, group.