@ NaeKuh ... your rigs are awesome, but could I please see a finished pic of one

I think what it takes to make it to MDPC is "no compromises." It doesn't have to be high end components - but it's definitely got to have "that look." It's about striving for perfection with what you have - even in the hidden corners that no one sees. Absolutely, photography helps - but a beautiful pic of a dog PC isn't going to cut it. Some of the photography at MDPC is stunning - some of it is what any of us could achieve --- but it shows the PC in a beautiful way, and you can see that there were "No Compromises."

I think it is exciting, because it pushes us all to do better.

EDIT: just saw the last post - can pretty much guarantee you photoshopping isn't going to get you there.