Like in the Christmas Star shows where the contestants were allowed to pick a box number they wanted from the wings.

The flaw here is, unlike at Christmas where they weren't regular players, is that the original box the contestant was assigned wouldn't have a player to open it and the box you did choose from the wings would mean a player wouldn't have a box to open. Unless of course they move the unattended box to the player without one.

It also means we may see less swaps, either at the end or in mid-game, from a player as they would have already chosen a box they considered to be lucky for them. Whether that's a good thing I don't know.

I think it's good the player is assigned one randomly, to be honest... at least that why they won't be tempted to place too much importance on their box if they choose one which is their lucky number, which is always a dangerous thing to do as it's all random (see Orry for proof)...

Yeah, I think they should. Remember Swapgate in Whowasit's game last year?

Me, I say yes - it gives the impression of fairness.

I say yes aswell.

Much better idea, a lot of people have favourite numbers so why not

When a player decides that they're going to the end, they're usually given the chance to swap anyway. The banker is more inclined to give the swap if the contestant witters on about a favourite/lucky number. If a number means that much to a player, they're generally given the opportunity to get that box number on the table.

Don't you think it'd actually have the opposite effect and give conspiracy theorists the ammunition to say things like "well, they deliberately put amount X in that box because they knew the player would choose it"?

It could flip round like that, but at least the player has control which helps.

Though to be honest I think more transparency generally would help more.

Yes, because hypothetical swaps are clearly not welcome on this forum.

Maybe the banker should ALWAYS offer a swap after the first 5 boxes have been picked as nobody's ever going to deal the first offer anyway?

My dad probably would

You don't think that having each player randomly select their box number in front of the pilgrims, using the balls-in-a-bag system, is transparent enough? Admittedly this part of the proceedings doesn't get broadcast, but there can't be any doubt that that's what happens, is there? It ensures that the amount that comes to the table is indeed random.

I still wonder if the Banker and Noel knows what,s in the boxes remember he wears an ear piece so he would,nt have to memorise the amounts , that is something we will never know.

I personally don't think they should. Not really sure why but i could see it being more of a problem somehow if they did...

Well, the US version and several other international versions allow contestants to choose their own box or case, so I think that rule should apply to this version as well. However, sometimes having a randomly assigned box can have good results, as we've seen in some games. But as the old adage states, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." 'Nuff said.