I thought McNutt and Evans did a great job of showing both styles- big tricks on manmade AND natural features, along with big lines and hucks.
For Dan, I agree that it's not a perfect voting process but I think it was important for TGRs execs to distance themselves from the final decision simply to be fair to everyone and to avoid speculation of favoritism, etc. At least that's the only reason I can think of that would make sense for them wanting to distance themselves anyways- it's their money, if they wanted it to be their decision they wouldn't need voting at all from anyone, right?
Honestly though, would you be bothered if it was just ended now with Dale in the lead? Probably not, right? You have to admit that the "problem" arose when you saw that the popularity contest alone wouldn't be able to take it. If a contest sway thread style votealanche took $100k, that would be complete bullshit IMO.
Here is EXACTLY what the rules say in case anybody is wondering.
During Public Voting, individuals visiting
www.TetonGravity.com/contests/the-co-lab will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Segment. The 18 Segments with the most public votes at the end of Public Voting, plus 3 additional Wild Card Segments chosen by the Judges (the
“TOP 21”) will move onto our Athlete Voting Round. The Judges will be a panel of three (3) industry professionals chosen at the sole discretion of TGR, not employed by TGR, with a review methodology as determined by TGR in its sole discretion.
I personally fail to see the doom and gloom in that statement and the assumptions that a park skier would never be allowed to win is bullshit as I GUARANTEE someone with strong park skills will take it. Yes it's true- there's a distinct possibility Dale might not win, but if he doesn't it will be because his edit was ALL park (albeit impressive and well shot park)- oh excuse me McLeod- "urban with some BC booters" and not because TGR's pre-bribed judges are crooked asshole puppets who hate park skiers.
Try to be a little more objective, guys. I know you want Dale to win but come on. Having Todd Jones as a judge instead would do nothing but create more speculation and saddle him with all the blame on anyone's part when their favorite didn't win.