My main theory is that in syndication, they have next to no choice but to go faster. Of course they could keep it at the same pace, but you'd get about 6 questions a game done and the end. They fit a hell of a lot of game in a current episode of syndie Millionaire while still keeping it dramatic, and I think 1 vs 100 can do the same That's why I think DoND would work better in syndication too. I still sorta like DoND, but it's starting to bug me that it moves on a near snail pace now near the end. Some drama is nice, but I'd like to see what little game is there. One more thing, totally off topic, for syndie DoND. You will see no one or next to no one risk $500K at a shot between $1M and $100. You will see some people risk $100K for a chance between $200K and $100, which would make for a more interesting and exciting show, IMO. However, personally, I'm just glad to see some quiz show back. Looking at the new shows coming, this is as close to a primetime "regular" quiz show as we are going to get. "The Rich List" sounds like it'll be close, but I can't see it being better than this.
One thing bugs me about the critics: They seem to be ready to jump in and say "Too many "Deal or No Deal" moments." Doesn't DoND have basically the same moments that most game shows of our generation (70s to today) have had? Risking what you have to go for a lot more. Plus, the only DoND moment I've seen is the blind guess between the money and the mob, which would be fixed by a category given.