I would also think PR still has some effect in SEPRs. But it's better to say, quantity of quality backlinks determines higher SERPs for websites. The same also affects on PR accordingly. PR to SERP is more indirect compare to quality backlinks to higher SERPs.
I run a forum similar to DP, not nearly as big though I do however run contests with prizes, any ideas on contests let me know. We would be happy to run them.
I look at seo contest as a great way to prove your skills to others. And although money is involed alot of the time in order to win, it is worth the investment for those who have good confidence in what they can do. It can be a easy way to make a few thousand dollars. If you know you are good at seo why not invest a few hundred dollars to try and win a few thousand, the profit margin is huge if you win. Even if you do not win, as an seo company you can still attract some great leads and a few solid clients looking for a quality seo company or person to work for them, and there for you still come out on top and make a few grand from new clients, that is how I make most of my money and how I get alot of my clients, they are impressed with the fact that I made a good showing in these contest and I competed very well against some of the best seo's out there. I would'nt judge people that try to win these contest, most of them know what they are doing and how to rank on these search engines and so those guys should get alot of credit for doing what they do.
That I agree. I am not criticizing any SEO contest. But I wanted to point out the fact money involves a lot in them, so that contests are so in favor of whoever invests a lot. I agree that you said to join contest as an opportunity of extra income or for fun. Invest some and earn some money. I like to think that way better than to think "test my SEO skills".
One could have a contest with a strict no spending rule. No buying links or content or anything else. If you can do it on your own and get it up there, cool. But then again, domain age woul d be an important factor out of our control.
I really don't think any SEO contest could control that. Google even can not detect bought links - certainly not all. As for domain age, they usually do not let people use an existing domain.