Speaking only for myself, I really like the “secret” exchanges. I enjoy the challenge of writing to the reader’s preferences, not my own. So, for me, there’s really no such thing as a “bad match,” only matches that challenge more than others.

That being said, I ended up enjoying the challenge format last year, despite not being thrilled with the prompt (my problem, not yours). Having multiple prompts to choose from would have made it more enjoyable for me. However that happens makes no difference from my perspective.

I’ve not written for an open exchange before, so I can’t speak to that process.