I must say that I found this contest, while useful (due to future contests), somewhat ... restrictive in imagination. I think theplottwist more or less snagged the best idea to be used. I know Uzo mentioned items, and other similar objects, in ascending order (or a whip, or the double and triple powerups and so on), but let's be honest here: the winner "object" will most definitely be a figure (either human or creature or anything inbetween).
Also, because of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place format, the bronze, silver and gold concept is the most recognizable (again, theplottwist). The trio of busts I submitted, for example, don't really occur in any natural "order". In CVIII for example, each character has their strengths, weaknesses, and specific uses. The only way I could ofset this was by coloring them in the bronze, silver and gold palettes, to make it more apparent they are trophies and representing particular places in the contest.
This is more or less just my thoughts on this contest. I won't be hurt if it has no bearing on the results or submissions, but it was with this frame of mind that I approached, and felt somewhat ... at a lack for imagination or interest because of what the end result required.