Actually I have won a few too, and I have just started playing at CoH!!! They usually match a concept though and I mull over them a long time. I usually take longer deciding on a costume then what new power to choose. (Ahhhh... You didn't hear that.)
Moreover, except for a few contest, when I lost someone still gave me and everyone else a small gift as well.
Maybe you are on the wrong server, I have found both Liberty and Justice friendly and forthright.
I however do recognize the OP POV, there was a sham constume contest yesterday on Justice where somebody called a contest, just so they could find someone who was in "/hide" or "/ignore". I don't know all the details. That was just wrong.
