Not to re-spark the whole debate, but remember that the search was totally blind. They had no way of knowing that the winning entry was a previously published author, but the fact that it was makes perfect sense. After all, who was more likely to have the practice at properly putting their ideas to paper? In addition, it's not like Keith or Rich, or the third guy whose name I can't remember, were the top-known names in the industry. Even in a cottage industry like RPG's, none of these guys were on the "A-list." Anyone COULD have won, but the talent generally rises to the top if all things are equal, and Keith (in addition to Rich) has proven this in spades since then.