I am not a designer, and if i am an amator then i will join the contest, no doubt. But if i am a well experienced one, able to make creative works, i won't join a contest where i may lose my efforts for nothing if another designer win. And if i am project manager, i would hire someone reputed for less cost, instead of running a full contest. Yes, this may help thiefs, as less experienced designers may use other's templates (don't tell me you will check them all) or use alts to vote in the pool.
Ps: if am not a designer, does this mean i can't tell my opinion in a design contest?
All the others who respond me by "you're not a designer", Are you designers too?
I'm tired of excuse "everyone has his own right to give opinion" when his opinion offends someone else. I have no problem with your reasons, but try to show some respect to new designers. And if you're a good project manager, you should have considered that design contest is one of some ways to catch people's attention on this forum. Seems you are a type of manager who try to spend as little as possible for your own project. It's okay then.
I'm sorry OP for making mess on this thread. It will be my last response for this issue.