I don't mean to pry for any explanation from the judges as to why they did or did not do this or that. I fully understand you guys are doing it on your own accord and even personal fund. I was just trying to suggest what may work better and still cover all entries.
Now that you mentioned about judges having their own opinions, how about having a set of criteria for everyone to use instead of each of them having their own? I think that is basic in every contest.