From the philosophical point of view the pit had acquired a bad name, and couldn't or wouldn't get quit of it.

Still it is by no means clear that the sentiments ascribed to the pit were not those of the audience generally.
Nevertheless the pit was improving in character.

Gradually it boasted a strong critical leaven; it became the recognised resort of the more enlightened playgoers.

Dryden in his prologues and epilogues often addresses the pit, as containing notably the judges of plays and the more learned of the audience.

"The pit," says Swift, in the introduction to his "Tale of a Tub," "is sunk below the stage, that whatever of weighty matter shall be delivered thence, whether it be lead or gold, may fall plump into the jaws of certain critics, as I think they are called, which stand ready open to devour them." "Your bucks of the pit," says an old occasional address of later date, ascribed to Garrick, but on insufficient evidence: Your bucks of the pit are miracles of learning, Who point out faults to show their own discerning; And critic-like bestriding martyred sense, Proclaim their genius and vast consequence.
There were now critics by profession, who duly printed and published their criticisms.