I agree. I think the contest is working perfectly well so far, there have been quite a few different winners (I believe only 1 or 2 have won more than once...hence the 3-month rule too). Can't speak for everyone else, but I don't think it's really a popularity contest...however each person can judge differently based on what they like more. It doesn't say anywhere that one should vote for the content of the picture (most modified bike, most expensive bike, coolest bike overall, best background), nor the quality of the picture (professional looking, or taken with a flip phone), nor be it an action shot (in which case clearly you can't take the picture yourself if you're the one on the bike!!). Therefore, everyone is somewhat biased to one of those categories. Personally, I know what I'm more attracted towards when I see these pictures submitted by members, and I can tell you it's definitely not the quality or artistic nature of the picture, but that's just me.
Some people tend to over-think this contest...just vote for the picture you like best, for whatever that reason may be, and leave it at that.