Pretty sure the contest rules will matter.
Printable View
Next time, I suggest something that makes the contest a challenge/accomplishment. This as opposed to a SPM race for an hour then not playing for two weeks.
Something more entertaining/worthwhile for many would be, say, putting a nigh-impossible to defeat enemy in the game. The first person(s) to clear it LEGITIMATELY win whatever. Trion would need to be vigilant as to not crown a hex editor the winner(s). I would imagine Trion can check the weapon/shield stats of those who clear it.
As it stands, plenty of people can hex edit their guns now to one shot everything to maximize ark salvage per hour as well. I imagine it would be much easier to weed out the cheaters one at a time when you can see who clears a very difficult enemy/instance instead of going through everyone's salvage per hour.
I can see it now....
Nolan: Hey Irisa, have you heard of XSch10n9SuckerX? I heard he is one of the bravest Ark Hunters around!
I wonder if salvaged weapons count. If so, then just FILL your inventory with Purple and Oranges and scrap them as soon as the event starts. INSTANT giant lead
Sadly this seems to summarize almost everything about Defiance. A contest should be a lottery with multiple entries based on meeting specific criteria, not about whoever grinds the most efficiently. Besides, some of us play for fun and log in to socialize or help friends. Just like with the last fix requiring tagging everything to get credit, Trion is willingly removing the social aspects of their own multiplayer game.
EDIT: I guess in Defiance, grinding is not just the end-game but the only thing that matters.