maybe you guys (who are really interested in having a contest) should just think about organizing it yourselves. something officially "unofficial"

but just organized by members versus mods/admins.
for example:
request a sub-forum here from chris, e.g. "2008 Nano-Reef" contest sub-forum
start a few threads discussing possible rules and outlines, e.g. tank size, timing, schedules, criteria - could also just copy from some of the previous contests
prizes could be nothing or something*
*btw, i would make every contestant chip in a entry fee ($20) and pool that as a cash prize; 1. this makes people more prone to finish what they started, 2. cashy money is always the best prize.
the obvious cons' to that is: making sure the criteria and voting is fair and on the up and up, who holds the money, blah blah disclaimers: participation denotes decision of judges is final (whoever the judges are), etc..
BUT,
that should shut these guys up (from bothering chris) for the next few months at least.

they can argue/flame amongst themselves on the rules and such in a private little forum and learn how much of a pita it is to actually do one of these contests.
and
I get hours of free entertainment!