1B: The top two teams from 1B have beaten the middle two teams of 1A in the league quarter-finals. It goes to show 1B is a decent level and is doing no harm to counties. Waterford won the league from 1B last year.
1B seems to be a good enough level ahead of the championship for teams with provincial and All-Ireland aspirations.
2A: Kerry, Christy Ring county at the time, beat Westmeath in last year's 2A final. Westmeath went on to finish in the top 2 in the Qualifier group. Kerry as wee know beat Antrim in the 1B/2A relegation/promotion play-off.
2A seems to be a decent level for teams entering the qualifier group. While Kerry have had a good 1B campaign. 2A hurling will not have harmed Westmeath and Carlow.