As an independent, i had some reason to believe this feature missing since 2016 would return with trump's loss to biden. Now with the undeniable split-vote math (+allegiance pledge), it appears viewers will also be denied a rodeo clown carcrash derby if trump is absent.

Here is the reasoning :

The GOP's debate eligibility for polling ; <1% not invited.
This means the only 2 candidates willing to confront Trump (Christie,Hurd) may not make the stage. Credit to Christie willing to do this for entertainment purposes, given his limited value otherwise.

Unlike an expected role for the lone serious contender, DeSantis is clearly afraid to challenge the leader as long as it remains Trump. He rails against the legal 'weaponization', secretly hoping court\jail keeps trump away from any direct confrontation.
Frankly, Desantis doesnt have the personality nor cult generated over many seasons on trash TV to succeed, and it is only a matter of time before Fox&Musk say they were for trump all along.

Regarding the others, they are all auditioning for a job\VP, and will at best politely pretend to disagree with trump on irrelevant issue and\or nonsense (who God has chosen, or loves America more).
- We have 2 from South Carolina, neither of which may win their own state.
- We have Pence, who among recognized names, seems to have a unique distinction of being least admired by all parties and Independents.

Conclusion : entertainment rating = 0
we are in for a predictable train of anti-biden cliches, and no substance. there is no chance the debate is usefully moderated (e.g., cutting trump's microphone). trump gets a record appearance fee, and out-rants desantis in the final debate.
go on vacation and\or say you did anyway.