xddorox said:Ah yes the post build off debate again! Steve, don't change a thing. An open vote build off is like the "peoples choice award" and it is a crap shoot. I've seen this first hand in model contests. There is actually a recipe for winning that award and it has nothing to do with top prize in any other category (If you are wondering it is build it big and with whatever theme or movie is popular at the moment). Well built and accurately researched models don't stand a chance in that category. That being said, if you are building to win, you are missing the point.
As a modelbuilder myself, I know EXACTLY where you're coming from. I used to put on a people's choice show (note: car modellers call them NNL's, but that name has a story behind it that's WAY too long to type here), and I used to tell the trophy hounds that were upset at losing, "If a trophy means THAT much to you, spend $40 at a shop downtown and they'll build you one." That's my mentality here, too. A contest like this is an inspiration to build something on a set deadline - a good reason to get a project DONE - and a way to share your builder's viewpoint with people of like interests.