I will not judge the CNN moderators until I see what they do. It is a real challenge for them. If they go too far anti-Trump, they will be seen as partisan hacks and discounted. This will give Trump a win and conform what he as said about fake news. If they appear too soft on Biden, they will also be seen as partisan hacks and discounted—a blow for CNN. If Biden stumbles and they try to help him, this too will be seen as partisan and give the win to Trump. If they are too soft on Trump, or let his “lies” stand, they will be attacked by the left! They have a rough row to hoe. They can not win. Biden must just appear alive and able to answer soft questions and not fall over, ramble or freeze up. The MSM will paint him as the best debater since Lincoln. Its really a debate That will test the Media and not the people running for office.
Objectively, everything you say is correct. But, they can't help themselves! The CNN moderators have a different agenda, and it is not about how the debate informs the American people. The moderators are most interested in showing their media colleagues that they have made their attack at Trump.
Look at it this way, if CNN was the least bit concerned about ratings, they would have changed their approach long ago.