[rubergly]

A bad team isn't going to be made good because of lunch. But I think the point of the article is that it can make a good team (full of very skilled people who are unenthused about their work experience) into a great time (full of very skilled people who enjoy spending time with each other much more). And sure, a group that constantly bickers isn't going to instantly transform because of spending time together, but it could build enough of a community to bring together groups that get along fine but aren't that friendly.

[roc]

Or you could turn functional professional relationships sour when people inevitably discuss the non-work hot-button topics.

All it takes is one off-color joke.

And good luck with your 'one big happy lunch' when there's a rift.