The hamster of the month competition is just that and not necessarily a photograhic competition. It may be that a hamster is voted in because it has endured illness, won an award, be particularly cute, have passed on but had a wonderful character, helped it's owner through hard times etc. and this is why we ask for a few lines of information on the entrant.
It is really up to everyone how they judge the competition and how they vote.
I'm sure fluffy will have a look at the thread and post his comments.
The forum atmousphere comes from the members and what they make it though and not the layout. I know it has been difficult for a few weeks now but I think we have gone over the hill with those problems and things are good again