I'm old skool. When I joined it was always a 3 vote, so I have stuck with that. (it's a challenge) Ist - 2nd- 3rd in both category's.
How I vote is: WOW factor
Would I ride it, or own it, and is it a comfy ride.
Individuality, thought process, building form.
I always look at the first frame photo, and the last, to check out the difference, and then go into the build thread on the process.
I think you can build from garbage/ collected items, and the obvious brand new bling stuff. But it's the way you bring it together as a end result.
I have always built my bikes from trash. This year I felt it was time to actually spend money and have some nice new things.
Next build most likely trash again, keeps the brain operational.