Scott M.   I am pretty sure no one "here" is saying that the ( SMA staffers ) would have to decide for us !  You guys already have too much on your hands....  with Moderating the boards...and maybe other duties that we aren't privy to ?    So you have to let some of those responsibilities to the participant !  

I think it would be reasonable to assume that We could go about it just like in a Normal Model show...?   The Modelers would decides where they "feel" Their "entry" should fit !  and be judged accordingly  !  

Just like you do in Real life at your AMPS shows !   The Main factors that impairs some great looking models to get up in the rankings are the PICTURES submitted by the contestants...    maybe some mandatory criteria could be applied ?  like "White" background ONLY!   Which seems to become the norm around here lately !!!  It makes for great looking pictures BTW !!!  no complains here !    or No Photoshop (editing) allowed or special effects...  and other stuff like that... Like the Build Log that was mentioned earlier.... to help leveling the plane, or give the (impression) so that everyone feels they have an equal chance at placing...! 

of course...  the show will go on...  either with or without any changes....    it doesn't hurt to talk about it either !   in the end, we all want a Great Contest  !  and maybe lesser efforts from the staff ! 

Take care and Looking forward to this year Contest ! 

Norm.