Interesting conversation over the last 45 posts or so.
This might sound silly, but I'm just here for the fun and the learning. I had a blast with the LMSYS, and got an honorable mention (which stunned me), but I have no expectation of winning anything during these weekly contests. If I get a few critiques and comments that help me make a better photo, then it will have been well worth it.
Oh, and to answer Jay's question: I like posting the photos I enjoy, even if I don't think they are my best. All I can hope is that they joy I had taking (and tweaking) the photo comes across the viewer, and in my book - that makes me a winner every time 