I haven't been viewing the Hot20 regularly (maybe once or twice a year now), so I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but I agree that the Hot20 is closely tied to popularity. I used to be on the Hot20 A LOT when I was more active on Renderosity and posting more regularly. In fact, I actually had an audience who would view all of my work and always leave comments. Now that I'm less active in the galleries, though, my name isn't as recognizable, and hardly anyone these days will view or comment on my work--even though I feel I've significantly improved in my art. Hence, I don't think I've made the Hot20 in ages (at the very least, a year). Not that I care, really. These days, for me, the real satisfaction comes from people paying me to do the artwork, and I'm making strides enough in that department. :)