Well said, Gavin. I totally agree.

This contest not only tests necessary moderator skills, but it's also fun... and, like Gavin said, it's probably more accurate than just having a little discussion and a vote, and picking the mod that way.

This competition is fair, entertaining, and a great idea... but you totally have the right to withdraw, and I respect that. Still, I wonder as Gavin does... what "better ways to eliminate the bottom of the barrel" do you have in mind?

(On an unrelated note, since the deadline for this is the 26th, I should be able to get a reply in when I get back and still barely make the deadline. At the moment I gotta go, though, so I'll have to wait until Saturday to read and critique this delightful story. Cheers!)