No they don’t. If the purpose is to have a debate, then it should be a debate.
Is someone’s eccentric uncle Fred who has 3 people supporting him; entitled to be on the stage with McCain, Romney, and Huckabee?
I say let them all be heard and let them all answer the same questions. Put all the names in the pot and do a special all week. If you mix up the big names with the unknowns people will watch.