My 2 cents - even if you didn't win, do you still love the image you have created? If you enter the contest simply because you want to win a particular prize, then you gain nothing. To me, the fun part in a contest is the challenge, the muse, the creative process. And yes, I agree it can be VERY upsetting if people cheat (I don't know anything about this particular contest, so I'm only saying it generally), but I don't think this should drive you away from contests. And remember - you can always post your image in your gallery, and see what other people think about it. :)