Chris, We should go back to people that normally play and have played in the past and ask what happened. Also I think the key for that prize thing is random, not always to first place. It will encourage, will discouraging cheating since it wont help you. I have tons of ideas. I just feel pretty badly about it being extended. At least not in the middle of the week at worse, and with 2 weeks between games people who play the game, post, and then wait for the next week will drop out.
Also as the week closes put up the game for next week early and make sure there is at least some intrest in it before putting it forward!