The way I see it, this contest will serve two purposes. First, it will give you a great resource to know what vapers want, whether they have tasted the flavors they are suggesting and know them to be good, or they are dreaming up what they would like to taste and haven't found yet.
Secondly, it provides a wonderful format of feedback for those chosen, so that the "creator" of the flavor is also involved in the fine tuning of its perfection.
It's win-win! Why was there any squabble over prize amount? I would think the best prize has not been mentioned here yet - that of conversing with a vendor and possibly getting your choice vape perfected! If you look at it this way, I don't feel the prize is small at all.