Just to preface, I mean this figuratively AND literally but I’ll get into that…
Back in the days when companies or corporations had survival shows to form groups, I could always count on them going for a larger lineup (Usually 9 or more) and this was the most exciting part imo. Many contestants had a shot to get into the group which lessened group hate and animosity once the finale hit. At least SOMEONE’s fave was going to make it.
Nowadays, when girl group survival shows come out the biggest you’ll get is 7. I mean it doesn’t make sense to me to have a boat load of trainees compete if each trainee has less than a 4% chance of making it. Not to mention, survival show groups have lost their novelty nowadays. I remember produce groups would have commercials and products lined up to sign contracts with them even before debut. But now it takes survival show groups at least 4 months of either radio silence or dance practice videos to live off on before they make a debut. Kpop moves quickly and if you spend time not crafting the debut of the century, people will simply move on.
Having a survival show to make a 6-7 member group is a waste of time. Just go back to the 11 and 12 members and save people the impending heartache of talented trainees being left in the dust.