The 10 entries were always set to be selected
In this post, you said the First Ten would be selected:
Then this was the first update, with part of the title RULES UPDATE, and it changed to the 10 selected, as you said:
https://steemit.com/@pechichemena/cover-a-steemian-update-02-4-2018-new-entries-rules-update-song-pool-update
The rules were, in fact, changed. Either it wasn't clear (a misunderstanding due to language) and you updated the rules, or you chose to change it in order to get more people to participate.
It's too much of a coincidence that before this update, about 10 covers were posted, and the first 6 were already awarded, and the last 4 were not. And the day after that the rules were updated and 2 days later you mentioned the high volume of participants.
Passion approached me and supported me and we made this little contest which we discussed step by step and week by week so I can assure you there was no ''changing of rules just because'' here.
I recommend you guys to put the rules step-by-step the same way that you guys discuss them then. Misunderstandings like this keep talented people to participate away because they think this is rigged.
Think about this logically. If it were simply the 1st 10 without regard for quality or substance, the challenge would amount to nothing more than a simple race to a very low-quality finish line, and that is an end that no one wishes to be part of. Instead, the intent was always to select the first 10 "highest caliber" entries so as to bring out the very best in everyone participating. It is an artistic challenge - not a race - and nothing is rigged. I'm certain Pechiche will emphasize this logic in future challenges of a similar sort. Thanks again for your concerns @metalmag25.