I felt that way about the one I got sent out on the last time I competed, not only did I lose, the member trashed me multiple times in the thread. It was fun!
I never do well in graphics competitions. I think it's because I usually sway more towards what I like visually versus the GFX flavor of the day, but it sucks to make a sig I love (which doesn't happen often) and then finish like 10th out of 12 entrants.