[*]I'm sorry to have to admit that I've run into nepotism at a couple of IPMS shows. While I've raised an eyebrow more than once at some of the WonderFest judging, I'm not familiar enough with the judges to make a similar claim. Pretty much with any contest, "ya pays yer money an' ya takes yer chances."
Anyone who wants to enter their work in model competitions has to have a thick skin. Your work is going to be judged by others, regardless of which system is used. Judging is a subjective process so, unless you're positive of some skullduggery, you have to trust in the honesty and competence of the judges. Personally, I've found that competition has helped me become a better modeler but I'm aware that it's not for everyone.
I don't think I have seen anything close to nepotism in the WF judging.
But I do have the distinct feeling that some judges have an eye for certain things. And some modelers know this and build to catch those judges eyes.
And yeah, you have to have a bit of a 'wow' factor to push the kit from silver to gold.
I generally have no qualms with the gold awards. They are usually the same ones I pick out in the contest that will probably get them, or at least be close.
And yeah, I agree on the thick skin.
For me, my approach is that I don't really enter to win.
I put kits on the table to show them off. I don't need an award to validate my finished work.
Half my entries are there, just because they are done. I have no illusions to their quality. They, quite simply are not up to snuff. But I still had fun building them, and I still enjoy seeing them on my shelf
Though I do appreciate when the blood, sweat, and tears I put into a kit gets recognized.
The ones I truly bust my butt on, and think they are really good. It is a bit disappointing when they don't get anything. But it is such a rush when they do.