Well, here is my theory. There is a lot to be said about people being able to "virtually" live through your build with you. It is obvious from the quality of this build that he put just as much work into his build as the rest of us, but because he wasn't as computer savvy, he didn't post anything until the last minute when he was already complete. This amazing build came from left field and the entire build was posted in one or two posts in one day. That lacks the drama of feeling the sweat of the day to day grind of a build through someones daily build journal.
Now the antithesis of this theory is "Curved Odyssey". This was another last minute post of a build. Don't get me wrong, that is another amazing bike. But my personal opinionated opinion is that he is getting most of his votes on the unbelievably beautiful and uniqe architecture of his bike frame itself (those forks are unreal!!!!!!). On that build, I just don't see nearly the work that most of these builds (including Feelin Blue, which had just as much hard work as anyone). It basically looks like a good paint job and a cool as heck rare frame with nice creme tires will get 4th place.
To me it is two contradicting stories.
Blue had an amazing build that just wasn't documented (and also some people may not have felt it was "rat" enough). I love this build by the way!!!!
Curved had an amazing rare frame that also wasn't documented and also wasn't very "rat" but the unique coolness of those front forks can steal MANY a vote for the voters that are only looking at the Finished bike photos.
Blue, you know that I gave your incredible build total respect from the first day you posted. Next year, just get your niece or neighbor that is computer savvy to run the PR portion of your build diary. It may suck, but this is an internet based build off.