Eben the way the discussion was structured to give the MIW an unfair advantage.
While it might look fair with the 50:50 division of time, the actual quantum of time allowed was too short for any meaningful development of an idea or theme.
Taken to it's logical extreme, must as well give each opposition candidate 12 seconds each and the MIW 1 minute for each question.
"Thank you chairperson for the opportunity ..."
"Sorry, your time is up."
By doing this, opposition candidates cannot ask any tough questions, while MIW can just talk cork or give a lousy reply for just a minute.
Instead of structuring the discussion for 3 topics with 30 seconds each, it would be fairer if they discussed 1 topic for 1 1/2 minutes each.
That way, the parties will have enough time to explain their thrust.
Meanwhile the pappies get 2 1/2 minutes, ie. more than enough time to waste on character assassination.