Should a critic be adversarial or advisory?

The American Idol / Paula situation brings questions to the mind, especially when you think of auditions where you did not make it. I remember in my Graduate days, I auditioned for a major Opera Company. I felt like dirt and I felt like there were favorites all over the place, but I was not one of the chosen few. It is a cold feeling. I sang a good audition, but there is always someone better. I felt like people were talking about me. Auditions should have adjudication along with the performance, to set things into proper perspective. Paula never should have had anything to do with the singers. It is my understanding that she has had pain problems and maybe she was not thinking properly. What do you think?