I think Bob’s hitting a big nail on the head: Is this a build in memorial to Mik and following exactly his wishes in starting it? Which is totally fine, especially for those who knew him, and/or witnessed the evolution of this contest.
This is why I was hesitant in doing my project, since it used a lot of 3DP parts. So I asked permission before I started, and thought I was given the green light. This is my first participation, and didn’t want to veer from the rules or traditions. In the eyes of some, I did; and I respect that point of view. After all, it’s still called the “Mik Challenge.”
Even so, Dave’s been doing the hard work of keeping this Challenge alive. If not for his work, would it exist anymore? I’d guess not. So for me, what Dave says is what goes for rules on this subject, and Dave has spoken. If he’d said “The is the MIK challenge, and we’re going to play strictly by his original rules,” that’d be fine. But he didn’t.
Maybe two contests would be appropriate, if there were a surplus of willing managers for all that. But I don’t see Dave wanting to split it, or suggesting a separate contest. Nor do I see anyone volunteering to host / moderate a second “tech build” contest. That would be fine with me; but with so few participants anyway, I’d be concerned that one or the other (traditional vs. technical) would languish at this point.
My opinion: abide by Dave’s rules. And when the participation gets too numerous (because it’s hard to vote with too many contestants anyway), put out the suggestion for a second contest based on technical modeling, and the invite for someone to step up and moderate it.
Until then, I think we should band together and either do some modeling, or appreciate those who try.
Cliff
