Thanks for adding some info on Mr. Links, Mike, it's always nice to have someone add personal perspective.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I personally am simply disappointed that the same overthought, overdrawn, overkill wins these contests all the time. I'd have gladly accepted any of the posters' entries over mine, just not yet another cliche multiple fairway entry.
I think these contests are potentially very interesting, providing a great deal of opportunity for actual architecture discussion, and the feedback that we actually receive on the site is a huge positive - even when it's negative! - and it would be nice to see someone with something interesting actually win one of these. I couldn't care less that it's never mine, I simply like to get feedback on thoughts and ideas from the participants of this site, particularly the architects and supers.
The other thing that is disappointing is the lack of interest on these threads, both from entries and comments. However, this year's thread did spark more entries and replies than just about all the others combined, so maybe we're on the upswing.