Well, it's been almost 4 weeks since I was able to spend any time on this model due to "normal life" interference. Considering I'm a little less than half done, I don't think I'm going to finish for the contest.
Once I connected the upper decks to the hull I noticed that I can see my red power lead right through all those beautifully open windows! In order to do this build justice, I'm going to have to use crystal clear to fill in all those tiny windows, but it will look much better once that is done anyway.
I also lost one of the cranes on bow. I had glued that in before getting the excellent advice to keep the photo etch off until major assembly is complete. At this time, the carpet monster hasn't regurgitated it, but there is still hope!
I'll give an honest try to make significant progress this weekend since it is a long weekend here in the US. I still have base mounting, all those windows to fill touch-up painting, smoke stacks, and photo etch railings to go, not to mention any other photo-etch goodies that I haven't figured out where they go 
It'll get done, even if it isn't done for the contest. I am looking forward to working on other models though! This one has beaten me to a pulp! A great learning project!