<span class="link_user">@Hashy</span>, This is why i don't bother. I'll post a picture or soemthign simple, but i won't put in 4 months of effort. The 2020 solo cup was the straw that broke the camel's back. They extended it but only certain people knew it was going to be extended. They also inconsistently applied the rules -- kicking one guy out, while claiming 'the rules are the rules,' and then another person was allowed to win a prize while breaking the same rule, lol.
Most contests are a joke. It's as much about who you know and who you glad-hand as much or more than growing. but, the people complaining have a choice... They can always stop participating in something that causes frustration. As long as you don't take it too seriously, no big deal. The people claiming 'i shoulda won' are a bit full of themselves, lol. This stuff, even if honestly judged, is arbitrary at best and more about eh superficial aspects (like presentation) than the important aspects (like actual growing methods).
Like the dime-sized 'frosty bud' submissions, lol... Yeah, i can take a picture of frosty a preflower, too, but a larfy bud shouldn't be allowed in such a competition.