It's not just about the questions though, as you say.
It's all about how determined the teams are to get through. I'm sure some contestants work out with the 'biro' method like dedicated pub quiz teams do.

Being old, I seem to remember a team that got through to a high level, possibly the quarter-finals or higher, who all gave daft answers as part of a protest. How very rebellious.

When I saw a team really trounced a few years ago I thought the winners had probably practiced in private for six months or more, whereas the losers were a bunch of mates who'd entered because no-one else could be arsed/stand the possible shame of defeat. So, the winners looked like wankers and the losers were the sports.

That's just me though - I'm very cynical about competition.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Sat 20 Aug 2011, 9:35, Reply)