Thank you for responding @Mesonak . Yes, perhaps I could have worded it differently. What I meant by “prior standards” was that all the major aspects of the MOC are translated into artwork and shouldn’t be substantially changed. This includes the mask.
The two contests that were held up to this point happened to be exceptions because actual design of new masks was being determined, so changing of placeholders and original designs were justified.
However, this is not the case in this specific contest, and even less so with the free-for-all format.
Anyone can enter either pre-existing mask design, variation of pre-existing mask design, 3d-printed new design, or custom built new design. None of these determines the actual look of a Kanohi, only a selected look of Hagah masks. The final group artwork should only serve to reimagine them in a singular style, and in case of 3d-printed parts, make them passable in the eyes of BS01.
I understand the benefits of creative liberty for those making the group shot, but it comes at the unnecessary expense of creative liberty for those participating in the free-for-all portion.
I hope my reasoning makes sense.