First off, **** this contest. lol, I'm 17 and work 7 days a week, so when I'm not at work...I'm at school. While the school part doesn't apply right now, I work as much as possible to afford a car. So yeah, requiring me to take part in the least interesting activity (IMO) in the game, is a bit annoying. Maybe have a little less grind influenced/time sensitive events in the future? Maybe a PvP tournament or the highest level in the Battle Arena, whatever. We all know it's gonna be Era :P
Anyways, how about...not announcing the winner? I think we're all a bit tired of being told about things and just waiting to see what actually happens, lol. How about you keep the final character a secret, but have images/profiles of the candidates available? I think that would be pretty cool and build up a lot of curiosity and excitement within the community itself.
Also.......why not have 3 winners (PC, 360, PS3), appear in 3 separate episodes and build a mini story arc and have it end in Season 3 or something?