The probability of knowing something about the
area in which you get a tossup is higher than the
probability you know something about an area in which you
didn't get a tossup. Of course its not perfect, that's
why we actually ask the question instead of simply
rewarding you with 40 points on the tossup. But I am sure
it is more likely you will know than you
won't.
Obviously I was being facetious when I said that's the way
G-d intended it. G-d doesn't talk to me about
quizbowl very often. And as I said before, let a thousand
flowers bloom, shake off the chains that bind you to
tradition.
-- dml
STI and I wrote
<<However
what is your purpose with a bonus? To reward someone
for knowledge. What better way to reward them with an
opportunity to answer more questions that something they have
demonstrated via the tossup that they already know something
about, rather than something they may know nothing
about.>>
In such a situation, though, imagine a team that has
little to no knowledge of sports. They just happen to
get lucky on a sports TU--and are then effectively
screwed on the bonus.