Mini-Challenge Musings

As a frequent lurker and sometimes contrbutor (much less frequently) in the ongoing mini-challenge threads, I've seen cycles of participation levels, politeness levels, and interest levels in general over the years. I've even seen repeated discussion of killing the MC entirely due to lack of interest. Often discussions turn from the subject of the MC to the guidelines for participation, usually derailing an ongoing MC (sound familiar to any recent hosts?). Rather than further the disruption in the current MC, I thought it might be useful to open a separate thread for discussion of any and all thoughts related to "The Rules." Of course, each MC host creates challenge rules, usually by adopting the rules from the most recent MC unless there is cause to diverge. But it is helpful to explore baseline expectations. The things I have seen cause controversy over the years follow, but feel free to shut me down, start your own thread, expand the topics, or whatever.

1. Should entries for the MC be limited to images taken with PowerShot cameras? I personally try to limit myself in this manner, but I understand alternative views and the desire to stimulate participation from any source.
2. Is the 3-entry limit typically seen appropriate? I think so, but what do I know?
3. What about a suggestion that entries should be captured after the start of the MC in order to encourage more photo taking and less library searching? This thought won't be popular at all, I know.
4. How do you feel about deliberately encouraging fellow participants to use the "Thumbs-Up" button rather than posting numerous "nice shot" replies? This would seem like it would be helpful to the host and may present an opportunity for some sort of People's Choice honors.
5. The big one: exhibit submissions -- I said it out loud. I've seen hosts try to forbid them and get smacked down over the years, often somewhat rudely. I've seen forum participants, including some who are quite active on the forum, posting large volumes of photos as exhibits with no intention of ever submitting entries. I've often wondered whether this is out of fear of having to host the next MC, or out of pride over being such an accomplished photographer that entering woudl be unfair to the rest of us. OK, I'm being judgemental and no longer in my own mind. But my underlying thought is that I would like to see a "soft rule" of one exhibit per entry -- submit three entries and three exhibits to play along. Alterniatively, post three pictures total whether they are entries or exhibits. As always, host's choice with no penalties or anything.

The number one guideline is and always will be to have fun while participating, encouraging, and learning from each other. How would you like to see the MC evolve?