I like the competition ideas that have been posted so far. Photo Restoration, Photography (freeze frame, still life, emotion, nature... etc.), Exercises in Advertising, Flash, 3D - all good ideas.
Maybe I've misunderstood the thread, but I don't see why there is so much concern about beginners entering competitions with intermediate/advanced artists, or having competitions that require specific skills/programs (Flash/3D/Programming). How does one determine what skill level they are? By comparing ourselves to others in this forum, or with the professionals/greats? I understand that beginners deserve some sort of recognition to keep the enthusiasm up. So instead of segregating skill level, why not add additional "merit badges" to some of the other entries. Good use of color, Emotional Interest, Complexity, Good Balance, Good Overall Design, Most Unusual Idea ... etc. I also think it would be neat if those winning images as well as the honorable mentions, could have some sort of 'graphic' attached to their entry to show what it won.
As far as competitions that require certain programs or skill levels, why not? It would encourage a different set of artists to post their works as opposed to general competitions where it's always the same people entering - and winning. The Photoshop Grand Poobah may be a novice at 3D, and vice-versa.
To keep things fair, maybe there should be a general competition and an application specific competition running at the same time.
I would also like to suggest some competitions with specific limitations. Like Black & White only, Photos or 3D with absolutely no post work, Comic style, color limit, simplicity, Photo retouching without using filters, emotional response ... etc.
Just my .02¢
