Federal election debate's format prevented voters from hearing from their would-be prime ministers

Having organized debates myself, I know it's a challenge to find a format that works. If it's too heavy on questions and answers, then you lose the opportunity for candidates to cross examine each other on their views and plans. If there's too much back-and-forth then some issues get ignored and even the most diligent moderator can't prevent one or more of the participants from getting drowned out. Whatever the reason, this format just didn't work.