Why primaries aren't helpful

a) even less people vote in them than general elections

b) costlier to run in 2 different races back to back

c) more work for voters, candidates and elections offices

d) doesn't address competition issue; in party races many may have overlapping views

e) many states have closed primaries which shut out independents or cross over voters

f) with open primaries, general election just ends up being a repeat of winner vs. 2nd place

g) parties/others can still influence who is front runner