OK, I've been thinking about this. (I know: sad.)
This year, they're not looking for fine dining, or great chefs, or amazing front of house. They're looking for a high street chain IDEA. Something Sarah Whatsit can shove out onto a Bristol high street, and then - theoretically - roll out further. So actually, fey idiots though they are, Wham are in a good position, since their concept is at least easily summarisable - "Yuppie picnics!" I reckon that's why Raymond is biting his tongue and keeping them in, despite JJ's actual inability to cook. Well, that and the clear televisual gold of listening to their godawful excuses as to what exactly they're doing each week.
Either the producers have introduced the 'high street' theme belatedly, or none of the couples have grasped the bigger picture. What else can you see working as a chain? Nigerian cooking? Possibly. Classic English comfort food? Yes. I bet they'll try to steer Front Room into a more 'school dinners' theme. I can't even remember what the rest of them were meant to be, it's been such a weak selection. Shame, because under the right sort of guidance, the posh girls' 'locally sourced' idea might have worked, but just not in the sort of numbers Sarah Bombay-Bicycle-Club would want.
now if one couple had tried a classic US diner - all-day breakfasts, pancakes, fried eggs and bacon on a hot plate, bottomless coffee, cherry pie... Nom nom nom. I'd have been on for that.