But my orientation is toward betterment not toward the least common denominator.
I maintain that NBC did FAR better with Leno than they would have with Letterman.
I don't recall contesting that. But you win the hypothetical, Leno was less crappy than perhaps Letterman.
Sometimes the least common denominator is the best we can hope for. Is that our best aspiration? Not at all. Is it the face of reality more often than not? Unfortunately so.
The best answer of all is to turn off the TV, cut off the power cord (the only part actually worthy of salvage) and throw the bug-eyed monster into the trash.
Or off the tallest building you can find after shouting “Look out below!” ;)