Mmmm ....
Competions in lots of activities, and differing logics. Some are first past the post with an ordered 1,2,3 and others mark on merit so a gold, silver, or commended standard is attainable by many entries in that particular comp. provided they merit that award.
I have seen this in the Model Engineering world. Some will only enter at Sandown Park as each entry is judged on merit, whereas at Donnington it is a first past the post and real nit picking can be used to decide the outcome. What might have got a gold at Sandown may only get 2 or 3 if all of the catagory entrants are of exceptional standard. You meet some very unhappy people.
Photography for me is a fun hobby and I have no interest in entering comps. I still post pics and they will either appeal or not, to the viewer. Similarly in model engineering terms I have exhibited at several top shows but never in the comp. catagory. So although its a public display of what you have done I feel it to be less serious.
Mention comps and some people get very serious about it.
Having said that, some people really enjoy the challenge of comps, and for them I am quite happy to cast a vote.
For me unofficial themes are a far more relaxed affair, and therefore any contribution is done for pure enjoyment.
For competions generally I prefer that awards are made on merit rather than first past the post. The results from previous comps here would have shown more than one Gold in each case. The problem here is judging would have to be done by a panel to be fair to all entries.
Don