I do have some deep misgivings about it, but like the oversight last time, I had good reasons for not raising a fuss. Given that I have a proverbial horse in the race, I think it's better if I don't make valid concerns look like politicking and sour grapes from my corner (and derail them in the process). But uh, kinda have to talk about it now given your objection. My silence up until this point isn't an endorsement of the gray behavior seemingly exhibited in the contest thus far, and should not be taken as such.
Frankly, it's a mess. The mandate for the contest from the beginning was skill, and I think there can be little disagreement that the specter of compensatory gifts and called in favors runs counter to the spirit of that mandate. None of us entrants are entitled to the key at this point, it's a gift from Icefrog and Ghost, and if he so deems that the contest merits a redo of some kind, I do believe that's entirely within his rights.
A judging panel comprised of some mods was suggested before, perhaps it could be that plus our members who are in the beta at present (which would be 12+ people or so, correct?). Maybe the idea of a Gaf inhouse competition could be re-raised. I don't know how well a 3v3 would work, but it's an idea, perhaps Gaffers already in the beta could fill out the remaining slots.