I feel like this is all one and the same. I dont believe that it was ever the intention to trick people into something. It is a contest after all, and they can add to the contest as they see fit. I was wondering why nothing was announced about in game egg comps, as that was something we had done in the past. The fact of the matter, for me atleast, is that I go about designing eggs (or anything, really) the same way no matter what I am dealing with. Mainly because,
1. I cant draw to save my life
and
2. I enjoy working in photoshop more than anything else.
That said, did I take a long time working on my submission? No. I didnt. I actually hadn't intended to submit anything, because I just hadnt had the time and I try to make something with atleast a little effort. However, I remembered I was working on some space ship earth designs, and I figured I could reuse them for this. I added a little background and tried to go for a crayon-esque color. Did I like it, sure. Was it by all means my best work? Absolutely not.
I honestly made this for fun, and did have some fun making it. Would this have worked in game? Maybe, im sure the GA's would have been able to adapt this in some way, and it would have came out looking great. The contest was never Design an Egg for the game. it was simply design an egg, the in game portion is an added bonus. Thus, of all the top 10, my favorites are also the ones I want to see in game! I dont think those two things are mutually exclusive, no matter how the original egg was designed. The GA, as is their job, will be the one to take it, and while maintaining the work of the original artist, adapt it for the game. I don't really think that is the issue here. All of the contests have had top 10's chosen by staff and then have had the community vote on the top three. Thats how this has always worked. Nothing has changed. No one was trying to blind side anyone with this addition. They simply wanted to add to the game. As Nala pointed out, they did the same thing with the create a cousin and no one had any issues. You either took your time and tried your hardest, or you made an egg like mine. There is a ton of great talent in the game, and I would never criticize those who took the time and made these amazing eggs by saying mine would have been better had I applied myself. The fact of the matter is, I didn't. Ive made Top 10's before, and they were with work I put time and effort into, and that is what shows. Do I want the in game prize? Absolutely. Would I have loved my egg in game. Definitely. But I am not going to complain and berate staff due to my own shortcomings. I made a choice designing my egg, and that is why it isnt feature. Its no one's fault but mine.