Temple runners having no brain or a horribly low IQ = A misconception?

[Legends Explorer Alec]

I imagine none of you intend to make the most hated temple runners feel bullied or have them attempt or commit suicide for having a not-so-good to garbage temple performance. Yes, that includes John and Tia. The true reason for some temple runners having an unfavorable performance is said to be that they were feeling too nervous or under pressure.

[The Red Jaguars]

I really hope no one thinks the criticism towards temple runners equates to their real life IQ. Most of the criticism I've seen is towards the contestants' temple performance rather than them personally. Admittedly, some of the comments towards contestants over the years have been harsh. Especially towards John and Tia. In fact, I found an article a couple years ago written by Sabrina for her company about her experience on the show. She seems to know that her episode is ridiculed a lot by the fanbase. As for temple runners feeling bullied, I doubt most of them care too much about their temple performance. Most of the contestants are in their late 30s/early 40s now. A lot of them found their experience on the show to be awkward (like Nick from Great Seal and Keeli from Stone Marker) and probably laugh about it. Also, some of the comments towards their temple performance is more tongue-in-cheek and shouldn't be taken seriously.

https://www.merkleinc.com/blog/what-legends-hidden-temple-taught-me-about-analytics-solution-design

[Legends Explorer Alec]

So her last name is Bonaparte.

[PurpleParrot319]

I'll admit to being one of those people who have been critical of certain temple runners in the past. John and Tia from Golden Cricket Cage, Sabrina from Blackbeard's Treasure Map, Kim from Missing Weather Maps, the list goes on. They deserve criticism for their poor efforts, but I don't think they deserve to be hated on and called all sorts of names. If I've done that to these people in previous posts, then I'm sorry. I never meant to be hateful to them.

I get it. Back then, they were kids and I'm sure going through the temple at that age wasn't all that easy. What might look easy to adults may have been tough for some of these younger people. Also, this was being recorded for TV. I'm sure that didn't help. Some kids might've been really nervous performing in front of cameras. Not to mention, from what I understand, these kids were at the set for most of the day. I'm willing to bet most of them were tired and worn out. That may have had some effect on their temple performance. Also, you can't forget the temple guards. If they encountered one, I'm sure that had to throw them off their game.

Again, I'm sorry if anyone has taken offense to anything I've said about certain contestants.