I would say I'm at a loss as to why people would stoop so low as to scam a contest, but then the things people do for money...
I'm sorry it had to end this way... It was the source of one of my first big earnings ever on steemit. I remember feeling sad whenever i couldnt figure out a challenge, or if it required items beyond my reach. All in all, i think i only got to participate in about five or six....
Wonderful thing you've done though, awesome effort bringing it this far. Good luck with future contest plans. I fear though, that Scammers sadly, may have come to stay on steemit, unless some drastic "i dunno what kinda effort" can be taken.